Washoe County, NV Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Washoe County, NV, 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
- Setback if 12 ft or less tall
- 5 ft from side/rear line
- Front yard setback
- Sheds prohibited
- Max height in setback
- 12 feet
- Max height outside setback
- 35 feet
- Larger than main structure
- Administrative Permit required
Summary
Detached sheds and accessory structures 12 feet or less in height may sit within required rear and side setbacks if kept at least 5 feet from those property lines. They are never allowed in the front yard setback.
Accessory structures 12 feet in height or less may be located within the required rear and side yard setbacks provided they are five feet or more from the rear and side property line. Accessory structures are prohibited within the required front yard setback.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under WCC 110.306.10, detached accessory structures such as sheds must comply with lot-coverage limits that vary by regulatory zone (from 50% of the lot in High/Medium Density Suburban down to 10% in Low Density Rural). Structures 12 feet or less in height may encroach into required rear and side setbacks if kept 5+ feet from those lines; taller structures follow main-dwelling setbacks. Height cannot exceed 12 feet inside a required setback, or 35 feet outside it. A shed larger than the existing main structure requires an Administrative Permit. A main structure must already exist before an accessory building is placed (Sec. 110.306.15). Small sheds under the exempt square footage in Article 105 may not need a building permit.
Violations & Fines
Enforced under Article 910; structures built without required permits or over coverage/height limits may be cited and must be corrected or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to my property line can a shed go?
Do I need a permit for a small shed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
How Washoe County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada accessory structures overview
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