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Fresno · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Fresno

Fresno limits accessory structures to 12 ft on parcels up to 10,000 sq ft; 16 ft on larger ones 10 ft from all lines.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: Fresno limits accessory structures to 12 ft on parcels up to 10,000 sq ft; 16 ft on larger ones 10 ft from all lines.

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

What Fresno's code says

Fresno code What Fresno's code adds
Maximum height
  • Accessory structures may be no more than 12 feet tall, measured from ground level.
    Applies: Parcels of 10,000 square feet or less in residential districts.
    § 15-2004 · code text
    Accessory Structures shall be no greater than 12 feet high measured from the ground level to the finished height of the structure.
  • Accessory structures may be up to 16 feet tall.
    Applies: Parcels over 10,000 square feet in residential districts, only if the structure is at least 10 feet from all property lines.
    § 15-2004 · code text
    Accessory Structures located a minimum of 10 feet from all property lines may be up to 16 feet high.
  • The Director may allow more height, up to the height of the main building.
    Applies: Only when the accessory structure matches the main building in materials and architectural style.
    § 15-2004 · code text
    The Director may allow additional height not to exceed the height of the main building provided the Accessory Structure is designed, in terms of materials and architectural styles, to match the main building.
Side and rear setback
  • The same setbacks as the base and overlay district that applies.
    Applies: Single-unit districts, interior side and rear yards, when the accessory structure is closer than 6 feet to the main building.
    § 15-2004 · code text
    If the Accessory Structure is located closer than six feet from the main building, the Accessory Structure shall comply with the setbacks of the applicable Base and Overlay District.
  • No setback needed: it may sit on the interior side or rear property line.
    Applies: Single-unit districts, when the accessory structure is 6 feet or more from the main building.
    § 15-2004 · code text
    If the Accessory Structure is located six feet away or farther from the main building, it may be located on the interior or rear property line.
  • At least 5 feet from interior side and rear lot lines.
    Applies: Multi-unit districts not next to a single-unit district. Next to one, the greater of the district or operative plan setback applies.
    § 15-2004 · code text
    ii. All Other Districts. Five feet.
No permit needed up to
  • No building permit is needed up to 120 square feet.
    Applies: Tree houses and play structures. Over 120 square feet, a building permit is required.
    § 15-2004 · code text
    When exceeding 120 square feet, a building permit is required.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Fresno limits accessory structures to 12 ft on parcels up to 10,000 sq ft; 16 ft on larger ones 10 ft from all lines.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Fresno property

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

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Fresno Municipal Code — full text