Tucson, AZ Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Sheds and other detached residential accessory buildings in Tucson are regulated under UDC Article 6, Section 6.6 (Accessory Uses, Buildings, and Structures), specifically Section 6.6.2 (Accessory Buildings and Structures). Section 6.6.2 limits detached accessory buildings and structures - except accessory dwelling units - to 12 feet in height. If the accessory structure is attached to the principal structure, the maximum height permitted is the same as for the principal structure. The total gross floor area of all accessory structures on a lot may not exceed 50% of the gross floor area of the principal structure. Detached accessory structures that exceed the wall height allowed within a perimeter yard must comply with the principal structure's setback requirements for that yard. Perimeter walls and fences are limited to six feet in height under UDC Section 6.4.5, but may be up to ten feet if the area above six feet is at least 75% open through architectural elements such as arches, columns, or wrought iron. Specific dimensional standards (front, side, rear setbacks and lot coverage) are set by the underlying zoning district in UDC Article 4 (the dimensional standards summary maintained by PDSD lists the figures for each residential zone). Construction is governed by the City of Tucson Building Code, which adopts the International Residential Code (IRC) with Tucson amendments under Chapter 6 of the Tucson Code; building permits and inspections are administered by Planning and Development Services. Under the IRC as adopted, one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds at or below 200 square feet of floor area are typically exempt from a building permit, but the structure must still comply with UDC zoning standards for height, setback, and lot coverage. Larger sheds, sheds with electrical or plumbing, or sheds on a permanent foundation require a building permit. Special UDC rules within Section 6.6.2 also apply to specific accessory uses such as livestock structures (set back at least 50 feet from all property lines, with corrals at least 10 feet from property lines) and to ground-mounted solar collection devices.