Lake Havasu City, AZ Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Division E.7. governs accessory structures not intended for occupancy, the category that covers storage sheds, workshops, and detached garages that are not accessory dwelling units. Division a. limits how much of the backyard a shed can consume: no more than 50% of the required rear yard, and no taller than 15 feet. The structure also has to keep a minimum 3-foot gap from the closest wall of the house, or whatever greater distance the adopted Building Code requires for fire separation, whichever number is larger.

Division b. adds a placement rule independent of size: no accessory structure, regardless of height or footprint, may sit within 5 feet of a side or rear property line, and none may be built into or onto a public utility easement, since the city and utility providers need that strip clear for access. Division c. allows a shed or other non-living accessory structure to carry its own separate electric, gas, sewer, telephone, and water meters if the owner wants them, but a second electric or gas meter has to be marked with a metal plaque showing letters at least a half-inch tall identifying the total number of meters on the property.

Division d. requires the shed to be architecturally compatible with the house, matching it in architectural features, building materials, and colors, so a shed cannot be a mismatched metal or plastic kit building dropped into a yard where the house is stucco and tile.