Bell · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Bell

In the R-3 zone, Bell limits accessory buildings and structures to 15 feet, except accessory dwelling units. Detached accessory buildings on R-3 lots may sit next to the rear lot line, or 5 feet from it where it abuts an alley.

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Key points

Height: In the R-3 zone, Bell limits accessory buildings and structures to 15 feet, except accessory dwelling units.
Placement: Detached accessory buildings on R-3 lots may sit next to the rear lot line, or 5 feet from it where it abuts an alley.

Each rule below links to the section of the Bell Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Bell's code says

Bell code What Bell's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 15 feet high. Applies: Accessory buildings or structures on lots in the R-3 zone. Accessory dwelling units follow separate height rules. § 17.24.050 · code text No accessory building or structure shall be constructed or located upon any lot classified in the R-3 zone having a height in excess of 15 feet, except that the height of accessory dwelling units shall be subject to Section 17.54.050(E).
Side and rear setback	May abut the rear and one side lot line. At least 5 feet from a rear public alley. Applies: Detached accessory buildings on R-3 interior lots. § 17.24.050 · code text A detached accessory building or structure may be located adjacent to the rear lot line and one side lot line of an R-3 zoned interior lot, except when the rear lot line of the lot abuts a public alley, in which case a minimum distance of five feet shall be observed between the rear lot line of the lot and such an accessory building. May abut the rear and interior side lot lines. At least 5 feet from a rear public alley. Applies: Detached accessory buildings on R-3 corner or reversed corner lots. § 17.24.050 · code text Detached accessory building may be located adjacent to the rear lot line and the interior side lot line of a corner or reversed corner R-3 zoned lot, except when the rear lot line abuts a public alley, then a minimum distance of five feet shall be observed between the rear lot line of the lot and such an accessory building. At least 5 feet. Applies: Detached accessory buildings or structures on the street side of an R-3 corner or reversed corner lot. § 17.24.050 · code text Detached accessory buildings or structures located on the street side of a corner or reversed corner lot shall maintain a setback of five feet. At least 3 feet from the property line. Applies: Detached accessory buildings on R-3 interior lots, when the wall nearest the property line has a door or window. § 17.24.050 · code text Detached accessory structures or buildings constructed with walls (e.g., garages, storage rooms), located upon any lot, whereupon the wall nearest to the property line contains an opening such as a door or window, shall be located a minimum of three feet away from the property line on interior lots, five feet on the street side of corner or reversed corner lots, and five feet on lots abutting an alley. At least 5 feet from the property line. Applies: Detached accessory buildings on the street side of R-3 corner or reversed corner lots, when the nearest wall has a door or window. § 17.24.050 · code text Detached accessory structures or buildings constructed with walls (e.g., garages, storage rooms), located upon any lot, whereupon the wall nearest to the property line contains an opening such as a door or window, shall be located a minimum of three feet away from the property line on interior lots, five feet on the street side of corner or reversed corner lots, and five feet on lots abutting an alley. At least 5 feet from the property line. Applies: Detached accessory buildings on R-3 lots next to an alley, when the wall nearest the property line has a door or window. § 17.24.050 · code text Detached accessory structures or buildings constructed with walls (e.g., garages, storage rooms), located upon any lot, whereupon the wall nearest to the property line contains an opening such as a door or window, shall be located a minimum of three feet away from the property line on interior lots, five feet on the street side of corner or reversed corner lots, and five feet on lots abutting an alley.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Bell?

In the R-3 zone, Bell limits accessory buildings and structures to 15 feet, except accessory dwelling units. Detached accessory buildings on R-3 lots may sit next to the rear lot line, or 5 feet from it where it abuts an alley.

General information, not legal advice.

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