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Do I need a permit for a metal carport in California?

In most California counties, metal carports are considered accessory structures, and their location and size may be subject to certain building permits requirements, such as setbacks from property lines, height restrictions, and building codes. The setback requirements for an accessory structure such as a metal carport can vary depending on the zoning district where the property is located. Your building may not be able to be over a certain square foot percentage relative to the other buildings on your property. It is, therefore, recommended to consult with your local Planning and Building Services Department and building official to determine the specific requirements and regulations for a metal carport in your area.

For most carports, you will need a permit. Your carport can be installed without a permit, but in the event, your local building codes have an issue with your building, Norcal Carports is not, nor its manufacturers, responsible for taking down, moving, or removing the carport. The requirements may vary by county or city, so it’s best to check with your local building department to determine if you need a permit for your specific situation. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that your carport meets the relevant zoning laws, setbacks, and other requirements to avoid potential fines or legal issues.


California also has specific requirements for carports that are being built in areas that experience high snowfall. If you are planning to build a carport in an area that gets a lot of snow, you will need to get a permit from the local building department. Consider ordering a 12-gauge carport with a vertical roof, as this provides the strongest support Norcal Carports offers.


In regions with snow, it is important to choose a carport with a vertical roof. If you’re looking for a roof that will stand the test of time, our vertical roof is the best option. It’s our strongest and most durable roof, and it’s designed to withstand even the most severe weather conditions. The standard vertical roof has a 30lb. ground snow load and 25lb. snow load for the roof. For areas as high as 150 lbs. per square inch, your carport may need double legs and vertical roofs and panels.


To ensure that your carport can withstand heavy snowfall, you’ll need to add diagonal bracing, extra hat channels, and trusses. These additional supports will help to distribute the weight of the snow more evenly, preventing your carport from collapsing under the strain.

To get a building permit in Sacramento or any other county in California, you must first submit an application to the city that meets the code requirements. Once your application has been approved, you will need to submit a set of construction plans to the city for review. Once your plans have been approved, you will be issued a building permit. If you are laying new concrete pads, please include the information in your permit applications.


Our manufacturers supply generic plans but for advanced plans and calculations, there will be an additional charge. The plans and calculations can vary between $1,000 and up according to the size and detail of your structure.

There are several different types of metal carports that you can buy from Norcal Carports. You can choose from a variety of different sizes, colors, and styles to find the perfect carport for your needs. These are all California-certified and can be customized to fit your local county building codes.

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Contact Norcal Carports

Contact our sales team at sales@norcalcarports.com