Alhambra, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

020 governs any roofed structure detached from the main building, including garages, carports, sheds, workshops, gazebos, and covered patios, as well as unroofed structures over 24 inches tall such as play equipment, trellises, and raised decks. A detached accessory structure can only be built on a lot that already has a permitted main building, and an attached structure with a common wall or roof is instead treated as part of the main building and must meet the main building's standards. Within those bounds, accessory structures otherwise follow the zoning district's development standards except for four adjustments: the maximum height is 15 feet regardless of the district's building height table; a structure under 4 feet tall can encroach into the required street side setback to within 3 feet of the street side lot line; every accessory structure must keep at least 3 feet from an interior side or rear lot line; and no accessory structure may cover more than 40% of the required rear yard setback area.

Residential accessory structures are allowed limited plumbing for laundry, water heaters, a toilet, shower, and a single-compartment sink, but multi-compartment kitchen sinks are not permitted, and any bathroom must be reached only from outside the structure, with no interior doorway connecting it to the main house. 040.