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

Pleasanton's zoning code defines two tiers of accessory structure, and which one a shed falls into changes where it can sit on the lot. Section 18.08.545 puts tool storage sheds in the Class II tier alongside plant shelters and lathe areas, but only if the structure is six feet or less in height and covers no more than 80 square feet; anything larger falls into the Class I tier defined in Section 18.08.540 alongside garages, carports and covered patios, which are treated as potentially habitable and face the fuller yard setbacks that apply to main structures.

Section 18.84.160(A) sets the placement rules for both classes in an R district: they may sit in a required rear yard or interior side yard within 35 feet of the rear lot line, at the distances from lot lines required in Table 18.84.010, except that Class II structures like a compliant shed may be built right up to the property line, so long as it is not physically attached to the fence. In the RM-2,500, RM-2,000 and RM-1,500 districts, all accessory structures other than garages and carports are capped in the aggregate at 500 square feet or 10 percent of the required rear yard area, whichever is greater. No accessory structure of either class can go in the front yard, or in the side area between the front yard and the front of the main structure, unless it is adequately screened from the street. A shed exceeding 10 feet in height needs design review under Section 18.20.010 regardless of its footprint, and an accessory dwelling unit built in place of a shed instead follows the separate standards in Chapter 18.106.