Tempe, AZ Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Section 3-401(D) of Tempe's Zoning and Development Code defines an "accessory structure," such as a ramada or small shed, as topping out at 200 square feet in area and standing 8 feet tall or less. Cross that area or height and the structure becomes an "accessory building" under Section 3-401(C), covering freestanding garages, large sheds and workshops, which triggers a full set of standards. Accessory buildings cannot be used as a dwelling unless permitted as an accessory dwelling unit, and they cannot sit in the required front yard or street-side yard setback except for a single engineered shade structure over a driveway.

The setback scales with height: an accessory building must clear at least 3 feet from every side and rear property line, and the code adds one additional foot of setback for every foot of height above 9 feet, capping at 15 feet total height. A companion table in the code walks the increments from a 3-foot setback at 9 feet of height up to a 9-foot setback once the structure reaches 15 feet or more. The maximum height allowed for an accessory building is 15 feet outright; anything taller needs a Use Permit under Section 6-308. In the AG agricultural district, accessory buildings may instead rise to the maximum height allowed for that district. Lot coverage from any accessory structure or building counts toward the property's overall maximum lot coverage for its zoning district.