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

32 (Residential Accessory Structures) of the Santa Clara Zoning Code sets the rules for detached, non-habitable structures like sheds, workshops and detached garages that exceed 120 square feet. 120 for any residential accessory structure, unless it qualifies for the exemption in Subsection B: enclosed, solid-roofed structures 120 square feet or smaller and no taller than 16 feet, kept out of the required front yard, and set back at least four feet from side and rear property lines with a six-foot separation from other structures (needed to maintain fire breaks).

Structures above that exempt threshold, or any shed with an open or unenclosed roof, must go through Architectural Review before construction, and a building permit may still be required under the California Building Code regardless of zoning exemption status. 030 sets the development standards that apply to permitted (non-exempt) accessory structures: maximum height of 16 feet, capped at the height of the primary building; maximum floor area of 600 square feet, with larger structures allowed only by minor use permit; a three-foot interior side setback and five-foot rear setback; a six-foot separation from the primary structure and any other structure on the lot; and construction only after the primary structure is already built.

Accessory structures cannot sit in the required front setback, and if placed to the side of the house on an interior lot, the shed must match the primary structure's front, side and rear setbacks and cannot project past the primary structure's rearmost front wall. No more than 40 percent of the required rear setback area may be covered by accessory structures. Sheds cannot include a sink, cooking apparatus and refrigeration appliance together, and cannot be designed for living or rental use. ADUs are governed separately under Article 4 and are exempt from this chapter. 32 if placed in the rear yard.