Ventura County, CA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Ventura County's Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 8106-5.1, allows detached accessory structures (the ordinance lists gazebos, garages and storage sheds) that are not used for human habitation to be located no closer than 3 feet from interior and rear lot lines. Two limits apply: the accessory structure(s) may not occupy more than 40 percent of the rear setback area, and setback areas adjacent to a street must be maintained per Sec. 8106-1. Height is generally limited to the zone's accessory-structure limit (15 feet), but under Sec. 8106-7.4 an accessory structure set back at least 20 feet from all property lines may exceed 15 feet, though it may not exceed the maximum allowed height of the principal structure without a discretionary permit. The County Resource Management Agency confirms that accessory structures in the non-coastal zone that meet NCZO Sec. 8105-4, 8106-5/6/7 and 8106-8.3 are permitted on residentially zoned parcels and require a Zoning Clearance. Applicants submit a Zoning Clearance application with a set of site plans, floor plans and elevation drawings to the Planning Public Counter. A separate building permit from Building and Safety is required when the structure exceeds size or use thresholds under the County Building Code. Coastal-zone parcels follow different sections (Coastal Zoning Ordinance 8175-3.6 and 8175-4.1).