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Clayton · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Clayton

Accessory structures are limited to 16 feet; the reduced 5-foot side and rear setbacks need at least 65 feet from the front lot line.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: Accessory structures are limited to 16 feet; the reduced 5-foot side and rear setbacks need at least 65 feet from the front lot line.

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

What Clayton's code says

Clayton code What Clayton's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 16 feet.
    § 17.36.055 · code text
    An accessory building or structure shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet in height.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from the interior side and rear lines.
    Applies: Accessory buildings at least 12 feet from the main building and all other accessory buildings, and at least 65 feet from the front lot line.
    § 17.36.055 · code text
    If an accessory building is at least twelve (12) feet from the main building (and all other accessory buildings) and at least sixty-five (65) feet from the front lot line, the interior side setback and rear setback for accessory structures are reduced to five (5) feet.
  • At least 5 feet from the interior side and rear lines.
    Applies: Accessory structures that are not buildings, measured clear of all overhangs.
    § 17.36.055 · code text
    The interior side setback and rear setback for an accessory structure are reduced to five (5) feet.
Distance from the house
  • At least 12 feet from the main building to use the reduced 5-foot side and rear setbacks.
    Applies: The building must also be at least 65 feet from the front lot line and 12 feet from other accessory buildings.
    § 17.36.055 · code text
    If an accessory building is at least twelve (12) feet from the main building (and all other accessory buildings) and at least sixty-five (65) feet from the front lot line, the interior side setback and rear setback for accessory structures are reduced to five (5) feet.
  • A clear passage at least 5 feet wide between buildings.
    Applies: Between an accessory building and the main building or other accessory buildings. No roof overhangs or other protrusions may be in it.
    § 17.36.055 · code text
    An accessory building must be fully separated from the main building (and any other accessory buildings) by a passageway at least five (5) feet in width which is clear of all structural protrusions, including roof overhangs.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Accessory structures are limited to 16 feet; the reduced 5-foot side and rear setbacks need at least 65 feet from the front lot line.

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Clayton's sheds, garages and other accessory structures rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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