Ridgecrest, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Ridgecrest, CA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Max size
- 2/3 of primary home's sq ft
- Max height
- height of primary home
- Absolute height cap
- 16 feet
- Placement
- no closer than the house to street
Summary
Detached sheds and garages in Ridgecrest's residential zones can't exceed two-thirds of the primary home's square footage or its height, and must sit no closer to the front lot line than the house.
(1)Except in the case of accessory dwelling units approved pursuant to section 106-37 of this title, accessory buildings in residentially zoned areas shall be subject to the requirements of subsection a below. Square footage and heights exceeding those specified by this section may be allowed only when approved by the planning director and/or the public works director following the procedure described in subsection b below. Except for a detached garage, all other accessory buildings shall be located no closer to the front property line than the principal dwelling.a.Detached accessory buildings shall not exceed two-thirds of the square footage of the primary dwelling. The accessory building shall not exceed the height of the principal dwelling.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 106-28(1) caps detached accessory buildings, sheds, workshops, detached garages, at two-thirds the square footage of the primary dwelling and no taller than the house itself (subject to the citywide 16-foot accessory-building height ceiling in § 106-18(3)). Except for a detached garage, accessory buildings must sit no closer to the front property line than the main house, and none may stand inside a required front, side, or rear yard. The planning director can approve a larger size or height with specific findings under § 106-28(1)(b).
Violations & Fines
An oversized shed, one placed ahead of the house, or one built inside a required yard is a zoning violation; the city can require it be resized, relocated, or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can my shed or detached garage be in Ridgecrest?
Can I put a shed in my front yard in Ridgecrest?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ridgecrest
How Ridgecrest compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare Ridgecrest to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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