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

Section 25.40.050 governs detached accessory buildings and structures on residential property in the City of Palm Desert, except where another provision of the chapter controls or the structure sits inside the building envelope established by the zoning district. No accessory building can exceed the maximum lot coverage the zone allows. Placement is permitted in the rear yard setback, or in the side yard setback if the side yard is enclosed by a solid wall or fence, the structure is no more than 7 feet high, it is set back at least 3 feet from the side yard property line, and it does not block the required emergency ingress or egress of a minimum of 3 feet.

Subsection B regulates enclosed buildings, including storage sheds, greenhouses and detached garages, in tiers. At 8 feet in height or less, the building is permitted on all residential lots and sits back from the property line a distance equal to its height. Above 8 feet and below 14 feet, the lot must exceed 12,000 square feet, the building cannot occupy more than 25 percent of the required yard setback, and the setback equals its height. Above 14 feet, the lot must exceed 40,000 square feet. A one-story building with a maximum height of 18 feet and a setback equal to its height needs approval of a conditional use permit under Section 25.72.050.

Open structures such as playground equipment, gazebos, arbors and trellises are capped at 10 feet above grade and must be set back from property lines a distance equal to their height, and elevated platforms are limited to 5 feet. Temporary structures such as fabric tents cannot stay longer than 4 consecutive days and cannot be placed more than 5 times per calendar year on one property. Roof decks and roof deck structures are prohibited. Swimming pools and equipment carry separate standards under Section 25.40.060.