Apple Valley, CA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

The Town of Apple Valley treats sheds and similar buildings as accessory structures governed by Development Code Section 9.29.020. The stated purpose is to keep the single-family residence the dominant use and to preserve the Town's open desert character, especially in its rural Estate Residential and Low Density Residential districts. A nonhabitable accessory structure not exceeding 120 sq ft and not taller than 10 feet may be located to within 5 feet of a side or rear property line, provided no part sits within a required front yard, street-side-yard setback, or an easement. Any accessory structure larger than 120 sq ft or taller than 10 feet must meet the side-yard setbacks of the zoning district (Table 9.28.040-A) and at least a 10-foot rear setback. Accessory structures may not exceed the maximum height for the zoning district, and in single-family districts cannot exceed 100% of the main structure's height or 16 feet, whichever is less, for a one-story structure. Cumulatively, accessory structures plus other footprints cannot exceed the district's maximum lot coverage; on lots under 2.5 acres a single accessory structure cannot exceed 75% of the primary structure's area under roof, and all accessory structures combined cannot exceed 100%. Structures larger than 120 sq ft or taller than 8 feet must meet architectural-compatibility standards (Chapter 9.31), and metal cargo/shipping containers are expressly prohibited unless skinned with matching siding.