San Jose, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in San Jose, 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
- Front setback
- 60 feet from front property line
- Side/rear setback
- None, except corner/key lots
- Height limit
- 12 feet, one story
- Size cap
- 650 sq ft cumulative (SUP above)
Summary
San Jose treats carports as open accessory structures under Table 20-70: a 60-foot front setback, no side or rear setback, and a 12-foot height cap in residential districts, unless it qualifies as a garage instead.
All accessory buildings and accessory structures in the residential zoning districts shall conform to the development regulations set forth below in Table 20-70.B.When the right column of Table 20-70 includes a reference to a section number or a footnote, the regulations cited in the section number or footnote apply. Table 20-70 Accessory Buildings and Structures Development Regulations
Front Setback (feet) Retaining walls None Swimming pool, built-in 30 Detached garage on a lot with two intersecting front property lines 25 Note 1 Detached garage with a maximum length of twenty feet that maintains a minimum side setback of five feet 45
All other accessory buildings and structures 60 Side Setback (feet) Swimming pool, built-in Interior lot 5 Corner lot 9
All other accessory buildings and structures None Notes 2, 3, 8 Rear Setback (feet) Swimming pool, built-in 5 All other accessory buildings and structures None Notes 2, 3, 8
Height (feet) Retaining wall 2 Note 4 All other accessory buildings and structures 12 Maximum number of stories 1 Area (square feet) Maximum size (cumulative square feet) 650 Notes 5, 6, 7
Notes:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Under San Jose Municipal Code § 20.30.500, an open-sided carport in a residential zoning district is regulated as an accessory structure and must sit at least 60 feet back from the front property line, with no minimum side or rear setback except near corner or key lots (Notes 2 and 3). Height is capped at 12 feet and one story, and the carport's footprint counts toward the 650-square-foot cumulative cap on all accessory buildings and structures on the lot -- exceeding that cap requires a special use permit from the Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Department (Note 5).
Violations & Fines
Building a carport within the 60-foot front setback, over the 12-foot height limit, or beyond the 650-square-foot cumulative accessory cap without a special use permit risks a stop-work order and code enforcement action by PBCE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a carport count as a garage in San Jose?
Can a San Jose carport be larger than 650 square feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
How San Jose compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle shed & carport rules.