Santa Cruz, CA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

SCMC 24.12.140(1)(a) provides that no setback is required for an accessory building except as otherwise provided, and 24.12.140(1)(b) bars accessory buildings from the front or exterior side yard. Sheds under 120 square feet in floor area are exempt from the distance-between-buildings requirement (24.12.140(1)(c)), and accessory buildings under 120 sq ft and under 15 feet in height are not subject to design-permit approval on substandard lots or in residential districts requiring design permits (24.12.140(1)(d)). The same 120-sq-ft / 15-ft design-permit exemption applies to rear- or interior-side-yard accessory structures under 24.12.140(3)(b). All such structures remain subject to Title 18 and the California Building Standards Code. Accessory buildings may not cover more than 30 percent of any required yard setback area (24.12.140(1)(f)). Under the California Building Code as adopted statewide, a one-story detached accessory structure (such as a tool/storage shed) not exceeding 120 sq ft does not require a building permit, but zoning rules still apply.