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Inyo County · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Inyo County

Inyo County limits detached accessory buildings to 20 ft unless the zoning district's own rules provide otherwise.

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Key points

  • Accessory buildings: Inyo County limits detached accessory buildings to 20 ft unless the zoning district's own rules provide otherwise.

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

What Inyo County's code says

Inyo County code What Inyo County's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 20 feet high.
    Applies: Detached accessory buildings, unless the zoning district's own rules say otherwise.
    § 18.78.150 · code text
    No detached accessory building shall have a height in excess of twenty feet except as otherwise specifically provided in the regulations of the specific zoning district;
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from the rear or side lot line.
    § 18.78.150 · code text
    No detached accessory building shall be located within five feet of the rear or side lot line;
  • At least 5 feet from the rear lot line and at least 30 feet from the far alley side.
    Applies: Accessory garages that vehicles enter from an alley.
    § 18.78.150 · code text
    Where an accessory garage is accessible to vehicles from an alley, it shall be located not less than thirty feet from the opposite side of the alley and in no case closer than five feet to the rear lot line;
Distance from the house
  • At least 10 feet from any building.
    § 18.78.150 · code text
    No detached accessory building shall be located within ten feet of any building;

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Inyo County?

Inyo County limits detached accessory buildings to 20 ft unless the zoning district's own rules provide otherwise.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Inyo County property

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

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Inyo County Municipal Code — full text