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Pergolas, play sets and carports in Montgomery County, MD

Play equipment, playhouses and treehouses need no permit. Pergolas, gazebos and carports are accessory structures and need one.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Montgomery County before you build.

The details

  • Accessory structures follow the zone's accessory setbacks and stay behind the house.High confidence

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Common questions

Do pergolas, play equipment and carports need permits in Montgomery County?
Play equipment, playhouses and treehouses need no permit. Pergolas, gazebos and carports are accessory structures and need one.

Sources

  1. Montgomery County DPS, R-60 Zone Development Standards (Sec. 4.4.9, guidance). Checked 2026-10-19
    Accessory Buildings: Rear yard only... 5 ft. Side setback... 5 ft. Rear setback, if not otherwise addressed... 20 ft. maximum height... footprint must not exceed 50% of the footprint of the main building or 600 sq/ft whichever is greater.
  2. Montgomery County DPS, R-90 Zone Development Standards (Sec. 4.4.8, guidance). Checked 2026-10-20
    Maximum Coverage 30% including accessory buildings... Minimum Side Setback Total 25 ft.; one side 8 ft... Minimum Rear Setback 25 ft... Accessory Buildings Rear yard only... 20 ft. maximum height... 60 ft. Front setback... 5 ft. Side Setback... 5 ft. Rear S…

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.