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

Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.050(b)(3) governs detached accessory structures on residential lots in the City of Fountain Valley. The floor area of any one detached accessory structure cannot exceed 40% of the required rear yard area, and all detached accessory structures together cannot exceed 50% of it. Single-family lots must keep at least 1,000 sq. ft. of rear yard open space. Height is limited to six to ten feet within five feet of a rear or side property line and fifteen feet within ten feet of the line, and the structure must be compatible with the materials and color of the main structure whenever feasible.

Table 2-5 sets the setback for garages, gazebos, greenhouses, patio covers, storage sheds and workshops of more than 120 sq. ft. on single-family lots: 5 ft on the sides and rear, and on the street side the same as the main structure. Footnote 3 keeps garages on corner and reverse corner lots at least 20 ft from any street side property line. Footnote 2 requires accessory structures in the required rear yard within 25 ft of the street side line of a reverse corner lot to sit 5 ft from the rear line. Subsection (f) adds that a detached accessory structure in the required rear yard must be 10 ft from the primary structure and 5 ft from a side or rear line, cannot be placed within 20 ft of the rear line on a through lot, and cannot exceed 15 ft in height.

Permit rules sit in the building code. Section 18.04.020 exempts a one story detached storage shed, playhouse or similar structure from a building permit when the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet and the ceiling height is not over 7 feet. A shed built above that size needs a permit, and starting work without one triggers a penalty equal to double the permit fees under § 18.04.030.