San Benito County, CA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

San Benito County Code § 25.07.006 (General Standards for Accessory Structures) applies to detached buildings including sheds, barns, workshops, gazebos, and covered patios. Detached accessory buildings may not exceed one story or 20 feet in height, while accessory structures less than 120 sq ft are limited to no more than 10 feet. The County caps quantity: no more than two detached accessory buildings of 120 sq ft or greater, and no more than three accessory buildings under 120 sq ft, on a single lot. Section 25.07.007 (Development Standards for Accessory Structures in Residential Zones) adds that in the R-1 and R-M zones accessory structures must be located in the rear half of the lot unless that is not possible, in which case minor development plan review applies. Accessory buildings such as detached garages, pool houses, guesthouses, and workshops may use the accessory setback, but the building may not later be attached to the dwelling or converted into a separate dwelling without ADU approval. Building permits are required for sheds at or above the size threshold set by the County's adopted building code; small prefab sheds below that threshold may be exempt from a building permit but still must meet zoning setback and placement rules. Always confirm exact setbacks with the Resource Management Agency before building.