• Same color and same material as the house for a front carport.
• Metal carports are no longer acceptable, although nothing is mentioned about metal and polyethylene carports.
• The roof must be pitched but its height should not exceed that of the roof on the house.
• The structure should be no more than 400 square feet.
• The structure must be built over a concrete driveway.
• Front carports are not permitted in neighborhoods platted after 1973.

If you have a rear carport in Mesquite currently, most of these rules do not apply to you. Instead, this amendment, which was scheduled for a February 15 discussion, focuses solely on current front carports and restricting such new structures in most Mesquite neighborhoods.

Nevertheless, although this amendment is designed to improve the appearance of many older neighborhoods, some issues haven’t been addressed. For example, can front carports be attached to a home or do they need to be a separate structure that meets all of the requirements above? If as a separate structure, can it be anchored in the ground or must it be removable? What about any side walls? Do these same rules apply to all portable shelters, such as RV and boat storage, or are they only for every-day use carports? Perhaps if this amendment goes through further drafts, these aspects concerning portable shelters will be taken into account.

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.

Although zoning laws vary by town and zoning laws and building permits will vary from Idaho Falls to Queens, NY, one risk, or one thing to keep in mind, when installing a carport, portable garage, or similar structure is whether it will be considered a permanent structure. In the case of the article about Idaho Falls, once the structure is cemented into the ground, it becomes a permanent part of the property. Not all carports need to be cemented, and some can simply be secured in the ground without using cement. In this case, you will need to consult with your local government in regards to what can be put in the ground before it’s considered a permanent structure.

Aside from putting a structure into the ground, some zoning laws specify how large a structure can be. In some areas, for example, a carport designed to protect three cars might be too large, while in others, the dimensions stay within certain limits. Before you run out or go online and purchase a large carport or portable garage, consulting with your local government, again, can give you a better picture of what kind of structures are allowed and even if your area has any restrictions in regards to carports.