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Colfax · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Colfax

City rule: detached buildings on a lot are limited to 700 square feet unless an administrative permit allows more; carports and gazebos, 15 feet.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: City rule: detached buildings on a lot are limited to 700 square feet unless an administrative permit allows more; carports and gazebos, 15 feet.

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

What Colfax's code says

Colfax code What Colfax's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 15 feet and one story.
    Applies: Unenclosed structures such as shade structures, carports, boat and RV covers and gazebos.
    § 17.96.030 · code text
    The structure shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height and one story.
  • No more than 15 feet and one story.
    Applies: Enclosed structures under 120 square feet and taller than 7 feet.
    § 17.96.030 · code text
    the maximum height is fifteen (15) feet and one story;
Size or lot coverage
  • All such buildings together must cover less than 50% of the required rear yard setback.
    Applies: Enclosed structures of 120 square feet or more in a required rear yard.
    § 17.96.030 · code text
    If the building or structure is located within a required rear yard, the total size of the building or buildings, cumulatively, shall be less than fifty (50) percent of the required rear yard setback.
  • No more than 700 square feet of detached buildings or structures per lot.
    Applies: More area may be allowed with an administrative permit.
    § 17.96.030 · code text
    A maximum of seven hundred (700) square feet of detached building(s) or structure(s) is permitted on the same lot.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from the rear and side lines.
    Applies: Unenclosed structures such as shade structures, carports, boat and RV covers and gazebos. Add 1 foot for each foot of height above 10 feet.
    § 17.96.030 · code text
    The structure shall maintain a fifteen-foot front yard setback and a five-foot rear and side yard setback;
  • At least 5 feet from the rear and side lines.
    Applies: Enclosed structures under 120 square feet and taller than 7 feet. Add 1 foot for each foot of height above 10 feet.
    § 17.96.030 · code text
    Five feet from the rear and side property lines;
Distance from the house
  • At least 6 feet from any other building or structure on the lot.
    Applies: Enclosed structures of 120 square feet or more, alone or combined.
    § 17.96.030 · code text
    A minimum six-foot separation shall be maintained from any other building or structure located on the same lot.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

City rule: detached buildings on a lot are limited to 700 square feet unless an administrative permit allows more; carports and gazebos, 15 feet.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Colfax property

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

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Colfax Municipal Code — full text