One topic discussed last week was zoning laws concerning carports. Although the previous post’s carport zoning laws pertained to a town in Idaho, carport zoning laws are found all over and can vary with each town. A recent story from the Star Local News details how Rowlett, Texas, has revised its carport zoning laws recently. The town, according to the article, thinks that they’re making owning a carport easier, while residents find them more restrictive. Some of the key points include defining what type of structure a carport is classified as. The town has determined that, if a carport is attached to a home, it’s part of the house, while one not attached, such as the various carports and portable garages at Shelters of America, is an “accessory structure.”
Most of the restrictions apply to a carport classified as an “accessory structure.” According to the article, an independent carport is considered less structurally sound and is restricted to 500 square feet or less, as the town requires buildings or structures of 500 square feet or more to have sprinkler systems. Properties, regardless of size, are only limited to one accessory structure, which encompasses carports and sheds.
So, if you’re planning to add a carport to your home and your town has similar zoning laws, how do you get around this? In general, the best option is to go for a larger size carport or portable garage. One of these structures with polyethylene sides can be used as both a carport and a shed. If you’re a large property, such as a farm, one of these larger structures, either a peaked or rounded roof portable garage, can be added to store farm equipment. As long as the structure is less than 500 square feet, a sprinkler system does not need to be installed, and such a structure, such as a 20 foot by 20 foot structure, can hold a few cars, a couple pieces of farming equipment, or other random items needing storage.
