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

Under BMC 10-1-604, accessory structures include enclosed and non-enclosed structures detached from the main dwelling, such as detached garages, gazebos, workshops, storage sheds and buildings, pool houses, stables, corrals, and tack rooms (ADUs are not accessory structures). The combined gross floor area of all enclosed accessory structures on a property, excluding garages, may not exceed 1,000 square feet. An accessory structure must sit at least 6 feet from any other structure on the same lot (measured wall-to-wall, or to the outside edge of supporting posts), and its eave projections must be at least 4 feet from the eaves of any other structure.

Accessory structures may encroach to a minimum 3-foot side and rear setback only when located in the rear one-third of the lot, and the top plate may not extend above the 45-degree accessory-structure setback planes described in BMC 10-1-603(G)(4). No accessory structure of any size may contain kitchen or cooking facilities, and none may be used for cooking or sleeping; no person may sleep or reside in an accessory structure at any time. Bathroom fixtures are limited to a lavatory and toilet (plus a shower only with an in-ground pool), and other plumbing is limited to a single wet-bar sink up to one cubic foot or a laundry sink.

Installing any plumbing fixtures requires a recorded covenant, prepared by the City Attorney, barring cooking and sleeping use. Small one-story tool/storage sheds at or under 120 square feet are typically exempt from a building permit under the California Residential Code adopted in Title 9, but they must still comply with these zoning setback and use limits.