Del Norte County, CA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Section 21.04.140 of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance defines an accessory building as 'a subordinate building the use of which is incidental to that of the main building on the same parcel.' In residential, residential-agricultural and rural-residential districts the residence is the main building, and the accessory building must be built after, or at the same time as, the residence. Where the minimum lot size in these districts is less than three acres, the ordinance states: (A) 'No single accessory building shall exceed one thousand square feet in area coverage'; (B) 'The height of the accessory building shall not exceed sixteen feet as measured from the average ground level to the peak of the roof'; (C) no one outside the family may be employed within it; and (D) exceeding these maximum dimensions is allowed only after securing a use permit. These standards apply to detached storage sheds, workshops and similar structures in the Coastal Zone (Title 21); the non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance (Title 20) governs sheds outside the Coastal Zone. Building permits and setback compliance are handled by the County Building and Planning Divisions. Confirm whether a building permit is required based on size and use before construction.