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Irvine · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Irvine

Irvine limits residential minor accessory structures to 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is less, and 250 sq ft.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: Irvine limits residential minor accessory structures to 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is less, and 250 sq ft.

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

What Irvine's code says

Irvine code What Irvine's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 12 feet or 1 story, whichever is less.
    Applies: Minor accessory structures in residential areas.
    § 3-5-1 · code text
    Minor accessory structures shall have a maximum height of 12 feet or one story, whichever is less.
Size or lot coverage
  • No more than 250 gross square feet in total.
    Applies: Minor accessory structures in residential areas.
    § 3-5-1 · code text
    Minor accessory structures shall have a total maximum area of 250 gross square feet.
  • No more than 50% of a required setback area.
    Applies: Area covered by minor accessory structures in residential areas.
    § 3-5-1 · code text
    A maximum of 50 percent of a required setback area may be covered by minor accessory structures.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 3 feet from any property line.
    Applies: Support posts of lattice or trellis patio covers.
    § 3-27-7 · code text
    The support posts shall be set back a minimum of three feet from any property line.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Irvine limits residential minor accessory structures to 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is less, and 250 sq ft.

General information, not legal advice.

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Irvine Municipal Code — full text