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

030 sets the baseline rules for every accessory structure on a residential lot, storage sheds included: to qualify as accessory rather than living space, a shed must be customarily related to the residence, contain no living area, and measure at least 64 square feet of gross floor area. A shed attached to the house must match the main structure's coverage, height and setback standards and use compatible materials and colors. Detached sheds get more flexibility but trigger permits at set thresholds. Any detached accessory structure placed in the required rear setback needs a rear yard encroachment permit, and any structure over 120 square feet in size needs a building permit regardless of location.

Under Table 4-1 (Required Setbacks, Accessory Residential Uses and Structures), a shed over 120 square feet must meet the same front, side and rear setbacks as the main house, or a five-foot rear setback with an approved encroachment permit; a shed of 120 square feet or less has no side or rear setback requirement at all and can be built up to the property line. Height is capped at 12 feet when the shed sits in the rear yard setback, with a plate height no greater than 12 feet, though an administrative use permit under Chapter 62 can raise that up to the applicable zoning district's overall height limit.

A detached shed within six feet of the main house is treated as part of the main building for setback and height purposes, meaning it must meet the primary structure's full setback and height standards rather than the reduced accessory-structure standards.