Prescott Valley, AZ Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Section 13-04-020(G) governs detached accessory buildings in residential zones. Their minimum setbacks, separations and heights are the same as the zone's main table unless paragraph G says otherwise. In the rear half of a lot, a detached building not designed or used for sleeping or living purposes must meet the required interior side yard from the rear lot line (G.1), and its interior side yard setback is five feet (G.2). Buildings need three feet between them, measured dripline to dripline (G.3). The minimum setback from the rear lot line grows by one foot for every foot the building exceeds ten feet in height (G.4).

Size is capped by the roof area of the main house. In zoning districts with a density designation of 12 or lower, a single accessory building cannot exceed 50% of the total roof area of the principal dwelling unit, counting attached garages and carports (G.6). On lots with a density designation of 18 or higher the cap is 100% of that roof area (G.7). A detached building used for sleeping or living, such as a guest house, cannot sit closer to any lot line than a dwelling and cannot exceed 1,000 square feet or 25% of the livable area under the roof of the primary residence, whichever is greater. It must house guests of the occupants of the principal dwelling (G.5).

Section 13-07-020 adds general rules. On lots in districts with no density designation, a single accessory building cannot exceed 25% of the principal building's roof area (D). An accessory building is allowed before the house only when a construction permit has been issued for the principal structure and construction begins within six months of issuance (C). Truck and bus bodies, railroad cars, and any enclosure not originally intended for permanent occupation or use are prohibited as accessory buildings (F). Section 13-15-010 requires a building permit to erect any building or other structure unless the Town Code expressly provides otherwise.