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

160, Residential Accessory Uses and Structures, sets the development criteria for backyard buildings citywide. Accessory buildings may only be built on a lot that already has a main dwelling unit, and if these standards ever conflict with the city's building code, the more restrictive rule wins. The code splits sheds into two tiers by footprint. A detached accessory structure of 120 square feet or less, the code's own example of a small shed, is capped at 8 feet in height, can be built with zero setback from interior and rear property lines, and must stay 6 feet from the main dwelling.

A detached accessory structure larger than 120 square feet, such as a bigger shed or a gazebo, is capped at one story or 12 feet, needs a 5-foot setback from interior and rear property lines, and also keeps the 6-foot separation from the house. Attached structures like patios are treated differently: one story or 12 feet tall, a 5-foot setback, and they must remain open on at least two sides. Coverage is capped too: no more than 50% of the required rear yard may be covered by roofed structures, rising to 60% on infill lots smaller than 7,000 square feet.

Regardless of the relaxed interior and rear setbacks for small sheds, every accessory structure still has to meet the street side and front yard setbacks that apply to the underlying zone, so a shed cannot be pushed forward past the house's front setback line.