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

040 of the Unified Development Code governs accessory buildings and structures on residential lots, and subsection (K) defines the specific category of 'accessory structure/outbuilding,' covering barns, pool houses, studios, greenhouses, offices, storage buildings, garages, and sheds, while excluding patio covers, open-air cabanas, and trellises. The number allowed per parcel scales with lot size: one structure on a parcel under 20,000 square feet, two on a parcel from 20,000 square feet up to an acre, and three on a parcel of an acre or larger, with additional structures possible only through a minor use permit.

A shed that doesn't require a building permit may still be allowed beyond that count at the Director's discretion. Height is capped separately in subsection (A): in the UR2 through UR5 zones, an accessory building cannot exceed twenty feet, or the height of the primary residence, whichever is lower; the same standard applies to outbuildings under subsection (K)(2)(c) in urban residential and mixed-use zones, while non-urban residential and open space zones follow the accessory-structure height cap of the underlying zone. Design has to match the house: subsection (B) requires accessory structures to be architecturally compatible with the primary dwelling in materials, finish and color, though a roof pitch below two-in-twelve can be approved administratively.

An accessory structure/outbuilding may include one half-bathroom, but full kitchens, independent utility hookups, and commercial uses are barred without a separate administrative permit, and subsection (K)(4) makes clear these structures cannot be rented out or used as a separate dwelling at all.