Carport Rules: Tulare vs Visalia
How do carport rules rules compare between Tulare, CA and Visalia, CA?
Visalia has fewer restrictions than Tulare.
Tulare, CA
Tulare County
Carports in Tulare are regulated under TMC § 10.32.060 (Development Standards) and Chapter 10.204 (Accessory Structures). Single-family dwellings must have a minimum of two covered parking spaces, each at least 9 ft wide and 20 ft deep — a carport satisfies this 'covered' requirement. Carports must be set back at least 10 ft from any dwelling on the lot. Where a carport opens onto a public street, a 20-ft driveway apron is required between the structure and the street. All parking surfaces (including the carport pad and driveway) must be asphalt concrete, chip seal, or comparable all-weather surfacing.
View full Tulare rules →Visalia, CA
Tulare County
Visalia treats carports as accessory structures under Title 17 zoning. Most accessory structures must observe the same front, side, and rear setbacks as the main dwelling, but carports receive a special allowance: they may be located on a side property line and as close as 5 feet from the rear property line, subject to review by the Planning Director.
View full Visalia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Tulare | Visalia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum parking space | 9 ft wide x 20 ft deep, covered | - |
| Carport-to-dwelling distance | 10 ft minimum (TMC § 10.32.060) | - |
| Driveway apron | 20 ft from public street | - |
| Surface requirement | Asphalt concrete, chip seal, or equivalent | - |
| Permit required | Yes — building permit (over 120 sq ft and roofed) | - |
| Code | - | Title 17 Zoning |
| Side Setback (carport) | - | May be on side property line |
| Rear Setback (carport) | - | Min 5 feet |
| Other Accessory Structures | - | Match main-dwelling setbacks |
| Director Review | - | Required for all carports |
| Building Permit | - | Required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Tulare FAQ
Does a carport satisfy Tulare's covered-parking requirement?
Yes. TMC § 10.32.060 requires two covered spaces for single-family homes; an open-sided carport meeting the 9x20-ft dimension counts as covered parking.
How far can a carport be from my house?
It must be at least 10 ft from any structure used for human habitation per TMC § 10.32.060 — a fire-separation rule that applies to detached carports, sheds, and garages.
Can I park on dirt or gravel under a carport?
No. TMC § 10.32.060 requires all parking spaces and driveways to be surfaced with asphalt concrete, chip seal, or other suitable all-weather surfacing.
Visalia FAQ
How close can a carport be to the property line in Visalia?
Visalia allows a carport on the side property line and within 5 feet of the rear property line, subject to Planning Director review under Title 17.
Do I need a permit for a carport in Visalia?
Yes. Carports require a building permit and Planning Director review. Site plan review goes through the Permit Counter at 315 E. Acequia Avenue.
Do regular accessory structures get the same setback break as carports?
No. Accessory structures other than carports and certain enclosed storage structures must match the front, side, and rear setbacks of the main dwelling.
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