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

Section 17.08.020(B) allows accessory buildings and structures in the R-1 zone on five conditions. The first is the size cap: accessory buildings and structures shall not exceed 40% of the required rear yard area. The cap is measured against the required rear yard, and § 17.08.060(C) sets that yard at not less than 15 feet for every R-1 lot. Second, accessory buildings and detached garages are only permitted with a permissible main building, so an accessory building does not stand alone on a lot. Third, no eave, projection, or overhang can extend over the property line, and precautions must be taken to deflect runoff away from it. Fourth, placement follows § 17.08.070(C). Fifth, accessory dwelling units must comply with all requirements of Chapter 17.104 of the Paramount Municipal Code.

Placement under § 17.08.070(C) separates interior lots from corner lots. On an interior lot, an accessory building keeps a distance from the lot side line and the lot rear line equal to the required side yard, which is not less than five feet in width on each side under § 17.08.060(B). In the rear third of the lot, an accessory building that contains no accessory living quarters can be built to the lot side lines and the lot rear line, provided not less than 10 feet of the lot rear line stays free and clear of buildings. If the lot rears upon an alley, a garage with a vehicular entrance from the alley keeps a distance of not less than 15 feet from the center line of the alley. On a corner lot, an accessory building observes a side yard setback on the street side of not less than 10 feet.

All proposed development within the R-1 zone is subject to the design review provisions of Chapter 17.68 under § 17.08.040. A private, noncommercial greenhouse or hoophouse has its own rules in § 17.08.020(C): it sits to the rear of the dwelling, five feet from property lines and any structure, with a maximum height of nine feet and no sales.