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East Palo Alto · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in East Palo Alto

East Palo Alto limits one-story detached accessory structures over 120 square feet to 15 feet and 25% of the front or rear yard.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: East Palo Alto limits one-story detached accessory structures over 120 square feet to 15 feet and 25% of the front or rear yard.

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

What East Palo Alto's code says

East Palo Alto code What East Palo Alto's code adds
Maximum height
  • Accessory structures can be at most 15 feet tall.
    Applies: Residential zones: 1-story detached accessory structures with a footprint over 120 square feet.
    § 18.24.030 · code text
    The structure has a height no greater than 15 feet.
Size or lot coverage
  • Can cover no more than 25% of the front or rear yard.
    Applies: Residential zones: 1-story detached accessory structures with a footprint over 120 square feet.
    § 18.24.030 · code text
    The structure does not occupy more than 25 percent of the front or rear yard.
  • Projected roof area must be less than 1,000 square feet.
    Applies: Residential zones: 1-story detached accessory structures with a footprint over 120 square feet.
    § 18.24.030 · code text
    The structure has a projected roof area of less than 1,000 square feet;
Side and rear setback
  • At least 6 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Residential zones: 1-story detached accessory structures with a footprint over 120 square feet.
    § 18.24.030 · code text
    At least six feet from the rear property line;
  • At least 3 feet from side property lines.
    Applies: Residential zones: 1-story detached accessory structures with a footprint over 120 square feet.
    § 18.24.030 · code text
    At least three feet from side property lines;
Distance from the house
  • At least 6 feet from any nearby structure.
    Applies: Residential zones: 1-story detached accessory structures with a footprint over 120 square feet.
    § 18.24.030 · code text
    At least six feet from any adjacent structures.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in East Palo Alto?

East Palo Alto limits one-story detached accessory structures over 120 square feet to 15 feet and 25% of the front or rear yard.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific East Palo Alto property

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

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East Palo Alto Municipal Code — full text