New Canopy Regulations

In response to community complaints about an increasing number of canopies and temporary structures, the South Gate City Council approved an ordinance limiting the size and use of canopies and temporary structures in residential zones.

Thepurpose of the new Ordinance is to accomplish the following:

eliminate the on-going proliferation of temporary shade structures, commonly referred to as canopies, being used as permanent structures; and
restrict the use in said structures being located in required residential front and side yard setback areas, which often times creates an unsightly street viewscape, problems for adjacent properties in terms of drainage and encroachment into neighboring front and side yard setbacks;
prevent the use of canopies as permanent carports and the manner of their placement in driveways which prevents ingress/egress into the garage as already required by Title 11; and
eliminate the unrestricted use and placement of said structures which presents a safety issue as the materials used in these type of structures is general not fire-retardant and can become a fire hazard or danger to nearby buildings; and
prevent these structures which are prone to weather-related collapse when not adequately braced and anchored from becoming a safety hazard.

Canopies and other temporary membrane fabric type structures are allowed subject to the following standards:

Canopies are a permitted use/activity on residential properties.
For residential uses no permits or planning approval is required. (Permits are required for use/activity in conjunction with a commercial or industrial use.)
No fees will be assessed for residential uses.
The total number of canopies is restricted to (2) canopies per lot including any canopy located over a driveway.
Maximum combined total surface area can not exceed a combined total canopy surface area of three-hundred and twenty (320) square feet. The maximum size of any single canopy shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.
The height of canopies must maintain a free and clear distance of two (2) feet from any overhead power lines, if the canopy is detached from a structure and located over a "nonwalkable" surface (for example, a swimming pool). In all other instances the canopy must maintain a free and clear distance of eight (8) feet from any overhead power lines.
Canopies are temporary in nature, collapsible and are not considered a structure. They can not be designed or constructed in such a manner that they are permanently secured to the ground or adjacent structure.
No canopies shall be permitted in the front yard setback (as defined by the underlying zone). Exception: Canopies may be placed in the front yard in conjunction with an approved permitted yard sale.
Canopies may be placed on a driveway, within the rear yard or side yard setback but only within the rear one half of the property. Though a canopy can be within the required setbacks (side or rear), whether on a driveway or not, they must be setback from the property line a sufficient distance so as to not permit any water or debris to fall onto a neighboring property.
Canopies are permitted to be located near or against a building, structure or large vegetation (trees), but can not be attached to them.
Allowing a canopy in the driveway in front of a garage does not supersede the City requirement that the garage must be accessible at all times and available for use by a vehicle(s). No in-operable vehicles or storage of any debris, product or goods, etc. will be permitted under the canopy which precludes or obstructs access to the garage.
Canopies must be kept in good repair.
The Director of Community Development may refer a specific structure to the Planning Commission for approval, as a code interpretation, as he deems appropriate.

Canopies and other membrane structures that do not meet the requirements must be removed immediately.

For more information regarding canopy requirements, contact the Code Enforcement Division at (323) 563-9558.