Carport Rules: Quincy vs Weymouth
How do carport rules rules compare between Quincy, MA and Weymouth, MA?
Weymouth has fewer restrictions than Quincy.
Quincy, MA
Norfolk County
Quincy regulates carports as accessory structures under Quincy Code Chapter 196 (Zoning). Carports must comply with the dimensional and setback requirements of the underlying residence district set by Chapter 196 and obtain building permits from the Department of Inspectional Services under 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code, Tenth Edition).
View full Quincy rules →Weymouth, MA
Norfolk County
Weymouth treats carports more flexibly than most accessory structures. Under Weymouth Code § 120-54 (Confinement of accessory uses to rear yard), private garages and carports are explicitly exempted from the general rule that accessory uses must be confined to the rear yard - though they still may not be placed within the required front yard setback. Permits are issued by the Department of Municipal Licenses and Inspections under 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code, Tenth Edition), and dimensional standards in Article XV of Chapter 120 control side and rear setbacks.
View full Weymouth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Quincy | Weymouth |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning Chapter | Quincy Code Ch. 196 (Zoning) | Weymouth Code Ch. 120 |
| Permit Authority | Dept. of Inspectional Services | Dept. of Municipal Licenses and Inspections |
| Permit Office | 55 Sea Street | - |
| Building Code | 780 CMR (Tenth Edition) | 780 CMR (Tenth Edition) |
| Permit Threshold | >200 sf or attached | >200 sf or attached |
| Zoning Clinic | Thursdays 2-4 PM | - |
| Phone | (617) 376-1450 | - |
| Carport Carve-Out | - | § 120-54 (not rear-yard-only) |
| Front Yard | - | Still prohibited |
| Side/Rear Setback | - | 5 ft min (1-story w/ permit) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Quincy FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a carport in Quincy?
Yes for almost all carports. 780 CMR §R105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less, but a typical carport sized to fit a vehicle exceeds that, and any carport attached to the dwelling is part of the principal structure. The Quincy Department of Inspectional Services at 55 Sea Street issues the building, electrical, and structural permits, and zoning compliance with Chapter 196 must be confirmed first. Walk-in zoning clinics are held Thursdays from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
How close can a Quincy carport be to my property line?
Quincy Code Chapter 196 (Zoning) requires accessory structures to satisfy the side and rear setback of the underlying residence district - the exact distance varies by zone (Residence A, Residence B, Residence C, Residential Multifamily). An attached carport must meet the principal structure's setbacks. Confirm the figure for your lot at the Department of Inspectional Services or apply for a variance through the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Weymouth FAQ
Can I build a carport in my side yard in Weymouth?
Yes, in most cases. Weymouth Code § 120-54 specifically exempts private garages and carports from the general rule confining accessory uses to the rear yard. A carport may be placed in a side yard provided it meets the side-yard setback for the underlying residence district under Article XV of Chapter 120 - one-story carports with a permit may sit no closer than five feet from a side lot line. Carports may not be placed in the required front yard.
Do I need a permit to build a carport in Weymouth?
Yes for almost all carports. 780 CMR §R105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less, but a typical carport sized to fit a vehicle exceeds that, and any carport attached to the dwelling is part of the principal structure. The Weymouth Department of Municipal Licenses and Inspections issues the building, electrical, and structural permits, and zoning compliance with Chapter 120 must be confirmed first.
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