Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Goleta

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

What Goleta's code says

Goleta code What Goleta's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 16 feet tall. Applies: In residential districts. More height, up to the zone limit, may be allowed outside all setbacks with Design Review Board review and a Zoning Clearance. § 17.24.020 · code text Accessory structures must be no greater than 16 feet in height.
Size or lot coverage	May cover no more than 40% of the required rear setback area. Applies: In residential districts, for accessory structures 12 feet tall or less placed in the required rear setback. § 17.24.020 · code text Accessory structures that are less than or equal to 12 feet may be located no less than three feet from the rear lot line but may not occupy more than 40 percent of the required rear setback area. Floor area of no more than 800 square feet. Applies: Applies to each accessory structure's floor area; attached accessory structures combined must also comply. § 17.24.020 · code text The floor area of an accessory structure shall not exceed 800 square feet.
Side and rear setback	At least 3 feet from the rear lot line. Applies: For accessory structures 12 feet tall or less. § 17.24.020 · code text Accessory structures that are less than or equal to 12 feet may be located no less than three feet from the rear lot line but may not occupy more than 40 percent of the required rear setback area.
No permit needed up to	Up to 120 square feet of floor area. Applies: Only for accessory structures no more than 12 feet tall, with no plumbing, that need no Design Review Board approval. § 17.24.020 · code text The floor area does not exceed 120 square feet;
Distance from the house	At least 5 feet. Applies: A detached accessory structure must be this far from the main building and from any other accessory structure. § 17.24.020 · code text A detached accessory structure must be separated from the primary structure and any other accessory structure by at least five feet.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Goleta limits accessory structures to 16 ft and 800 sq ft; those 12 ft or less may cover 40% of the required rear setback.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Goleta

Key points

What Goleta's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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