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

Yuba County Development Code Section 11.19.030 (General Site Regulations - Accessory Structures) governs sheds, workshops, and similar detached structures in the unincorporated county. Residential accessory structures expressly include 'garages, greenhouses, storage sheds, studios, play equipment, swimming pools, spas, workshops, detached covered decks and patios.' The code grants a setback exemption for minor structures: among the setback exemptions, the code lists 'uncovered decks and patios under 18 inches in height; one accessory structure less than eight feet in height and less than 120 square feet in area.' A shed at or above that size threshold must satisfy the setback requirements established by its zoning district. Accessory structures 'count towards the maximum lot coverage or floor area ratio (FAR),' and within the Valley Growth Boundary (excluding agricultural uses) 'no single accessory structures shall exceed the ground floor area of the primary building.' From the Division II residential zoning standards, accessory-structure maximum height is generally 15 feet in RS/RM/RH districts and up to 20 feet in the Rural Estate (RE) district, with rear setbacks for accessory structures ranging from 10 to 25 feet depending on district. A building permit may still be required under the adopted Building Code even where the setback exemption applies.