InstaBidsWhat is a carport?
A carport is a covered, open-sided parking structure for vehicles. It can be attached to a house; its roof and supports need a structural connection to the foundation.
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Can a carport be attached to a house?
Yes. PNNL discusses carports attached to a house and treats the connections between the two structures as part of the structural design. Its guidance connects the roof, walls and foundation to the house’s connection requirements. “The roof, wall, and foundation connections in attached structures should meet the requirements for connections in the primary building (the house).” Source: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory — Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31.
What is a carport in the Los Angeles zoning glossary?
A carport provides a covered parking area for vehicles while remaining unenclosed. The Los Angeles zoning glossary adds permanence to its definition. That is the city’s wording; it describes the structure rather than a particular material or roof style. “Carport is defined as a permanent, unenclosed structure which provides covered area for vehicles in a parking area.” Source: Los Angeles City Planning, read 2026-10-31.
Can a carport have walls?
The amount of enclosure matters. Santa Cruz County’s residential carport guidance quotes CRC R309.2 as requiring at least two open sides. That leaves room for some enclosure, while preserving the open sides required by that rule. “Carports shall be open on not less than two sides.” Source: Santa Cruz County Community Development and Infrastructure, read 2026-10-31.
Does a carport need a foundation?
An attached carport needs structural support extending to its foundation. PNNL’s guidance describes a continuous load path from roof to foundation and recommends the same foundation type as the house for attached structures. The guidance gives a design principle rather than one footing size for every carport. “Attached structures should be built on the same type of foundation as the primary building.” Source: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory — Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31. “Attached porches and carports must be constructed with a strong and continuous load path from the roof to the foundation to avoid structural damage during high winds (Figure 2).” Source: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory — Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31.
Does a carport protect your car?
A carport can provide shade and cover for parked vehicles. DOE describes a solar carport in Orlando that shelters 453 cars. This is a documented example of the shelter function, with solar electricity generation as an additional use of the roof. “The carport also offers shade and protection for 453 cars, a much-appreciated employee benefit that contributed to the selection and implementation of this project.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy — Better Buildings Initiative, read 2026-10-31.
Sources
- Porches, Carports, and Deck Attachments — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory — Building America Solution Center; read 2026-10-31.
- Transforming a Parking Lot into an Energy-Generating Solar Carport — U.S. Department of Energy — Better Buildings Initiative; read 2026-10-31.
- Glossary of Terms: Carport — Los Angeles City Planning; read 2026-10-31.
- Residential Carports — Santa Cruz County Community Development and Infrastructure; read 2026-10-31.