Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Clovis

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

What Clovis's code says

Clovis code What Clovis's code adds
Maximum height	The same height allowed for the main structure. Applies: Accessory structures within the allowable building area. § 9.40.030 · code text Within allowable building area: same height as permitted for the main structure. No more than 12 feet overall. Applies: In the rear yard setback area, without an approved administrative use permit. § 9.40.030 · code text Within rear yard setback area: twelve-foot (12') overall height. No more than 12 feet to the top of the flue. Applies: Freestanding fireplace units. § 9.40.030 · code text Freestanding fireplace units shall be a maximum of twelve feet (12') to the top of the flue.
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from the rear line, with an approved rear yard encroachment. Applies: Single-family detached homes: garages, gazebos, sheds, patio covers and similar over 120 square feet. Otherwise, as for the main structure. § 9.40.030 · code text As required for the main structure, or 5-foot minimum with an approved rear yard encroachment for structure greater than 120 square feet. No side setback is required. Applies: Single-family detached homes: garages, gazebos, sheds, patio covers and similar of 120 square feet or less. § 9.40.030 · code text No requirement for structures of 120 square feet or less in side setbacks. No rear setback is required. Applies: Single-family detached homes: garages, sheds, patio covers and similar of 120 square feet or less. Rear setback use still needs a rear yard encroachment permit. § 9.40.030 · code text No requirement for structures of 120 square feet or less in rear setback. The same setbacks as the main structure. Applies: Garages, sheds, patio covers and similar: sides and street side over 120 square feet on single-family lots; sides, street side and rear on multifamily sites. § 9.40.030 · code text Garage, gazebo, greenhouse, lightweight frame structure, patio cover, storage shed, workshop \| Sides, street side \| As required for main structure
No permit needed up to	Structures over 120 square feet need a building permit. Applies: Detached accessory structures. A rear yard encroachment permit is still needed in the rear setback. § 9.40.030 · code text A building permit is required for any structure over one hundred twenty (120) square feet in size.
Distance from the house	6 feet. Closer than this, main-building standards apply. Applies: Accessory buildings attached to or detached from the main building. § 9.40.030 · code text Where an accessory building, either attached to or detached from the main building, is less than six feet (6') from such main building

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

Accessory structures in the rear yard setback are limited to 12 feet without an approved administrative use permit.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Clovis

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What Clovis's code says

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