An overarching issue when considering carports, portable shelters, portable garages, etc. is the legislation that goes into the rules and regulations local areas have when it comes to the installation. These useful structures face a number of considerations in certain areas of the country and people need to be aware of their local laws when thinking about adding extra space for storage on your property. Here are a few stories that highlight cases in which carports are in contrast with zoning laws:
According to the Herald Democrat, one person actually had to petition a town council to place a carport four feet from where the zoning laws required it to be:
“The board gave the go-ahead for the construction of a carport in the front yard of 2031 S. Jerry Ave. To construct the carport, the project needs a 21-foot variance for the set back in the front yard. The regularly required setback is 25 feet…there were two other carports on that street located in the front yard. Ten property owners were notified; two approved and none disapproved.”
This variance doesn’t just seem silly because of the small space, but also because this type of variance usually costs the homeowner a good chunk of change. Other types of alterations to current laws are being considered in California, at least for canopies and carports, in this report from My Desert:
“The items the commission is expected to consider include an appeal by the Palm Springs Village Apartments which wants to remove mature trees and grass to construct a new parking area; a proposed amendment to a zoning code to allow rotating barber poles; and a proposed amendment to a zoning code to allow canopies and carports in front yard areas and side yards.”
How much longer are carport and canopy owners going to have to jump through hoops just to have more storage on their property? What do you think about these restrictions across the country?