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Highland · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Highland

Highland limits detached accessory buildings to 20 ft, no taller than the main structure, and 1,000 sq ft without a staff review permit.

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Key points

  • Accessory buildings: Highland limits detached accessory buildings to 20 ft, no taller than the main structure, and 1,000 sq ft without a staff review permit.

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

What Highland's code says

Highland code What Highland's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 20 feet high, and no higher than the main building.
    Applies: Detached accessory buildings in residential districts.
    § 16.40.030 · code text
    Accessory buildings shall have a maximum height of 20 feet and shall not exceed 1,000 square feet; provided, however, that the accessory building is no higher than the main structure.
Size or lot coverage
  • No more than 1,000 square feet.
    Applies: Detached accessory buildings in residential districts. Larger ones need a staff review permit approved by the planning commission.
    § 16.40.030 · code text
    Accessory buildings shall have a maximum height of 20 feet and shall not exceed 1,000 square feet; provided, however, that the accessory building is no higher than the main structure.
  • No more than 1,000 square feet.
    Applies: Patio covers or roofs attached to or linking the main building to an accessory building, in a required rear, interior side or street side yard.
    § 16.40.030 · code text
    Shall not exceed 1,000 square feet in area, or more than 20 feet in height, or project closer than five feet to an interior side, street side, or rear lot line; provided, that the canopies/patio cover is no higher than the main structure.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 1 foot from the property line.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures in residential side or rear yards. One-hour fire walls are required when closer than 5 feet.
    § 16.40.030 · code text
    In no case shall an accessory structure be located closer than one foot from the property line.
Distance from the house
  • At least 10 feet from any other building.
    Applies: Accessory buildings in residential districts.
    § 16.40.030 · code text
    Accessory buildings shall be located at least 10 feet from any other building.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Highland limits detached accessory buildings to 20 ft, no taller than the main structure, and 1,000 sq ft without a staff review permit.

General information, not legal advice.

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Highland Municipal Code — full text