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

Section 4.20.020 of the Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance regulates detached accessory buildings and structures, including sheds. An accessory building whose combined above-ground dimensions (maximum length plus maximum width plus maximum height) do not exceed 16 feet is exempt from the chapter's regulations, as are paved patios, walkways, decks and similar structures no higher than 30 inches above grade. For larger sheds in urban residential districts (R1, R1E, RHS, R1S, R3S, R2 and certain Al districts within urban service areas), height may not exceed 12 feet and is limited to one story, with a ridge that may not exceed 16 feet under the roof-averaging allowance. These accessory buildings must be located in the rear half of the lot, within the rear yard, or at least 75 feet from the front property line. Side and rear setbacks must meet the California Building Code fire-separation requirement, and the structure must sit at least six feet from any dwelling. Cumulative rear-yard coverage by detached accessory buildings may not exceed 30 percent. In rural districts (A, AR, HS, RR, RS), height limits vary by lot size: 12 feet on lots under 2.5 acres and up to 35 feet on lots of 2.5 acres or more, with larger structures on big lots requiring 30-foot side and rear setbacks. A building permit may be required.