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Lassen County · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Lassen County

In R-1 districts, county code limits accessory buildings to 20 feet or the main building's height, whichever is lower, unless the review committee approves.

Ask about sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Lassen County See coverage

Key points

  • Accessory buildings: In R-1 districts, county code limits accessory buildings to 20 feet or the main building's height, whichever is lower, unless the review committee approves.

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

What Lassen County's code says

Lassen County code What Lassen County's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 20 feet or the main building's height, whichever is lower.
    Applies: Accessory buildings in an R-1 district, unless the architectural review committee approves more.
    § 18.22.050 · code text
    (B) Accessory buildings: limited to twenty feet or the height of the main building, whichever is lower, unless approved by the architectural review committee, in which case buildings up to thirty-five feet may be allowed;
  • Up to 35 feet.
    Applies: Accessory buildings in an R-1 district, with architectural review committee approval.
    § 18.22.050 · code text
    (B) Accessory buildings: limited to twenty feet or the height of the main building, whichever is lower, unless approved by the architectural review committee, in which case buildings up to thirty-five feet may be allowed;
Side and rear setback
  • At least 20 feet from any side or rear line.
    Applies: Accessory buildings used as private stables. Also at least 50 feet from the front line and from homes on adjacent parcels.
    § 18.102.060 · code text
    Accessory buildings used as private stables shall be located not less than twenty feet from any side or rear property line, not less than fifty feet from the front property line, and not less than fifty feet from any dwelling unit located on an adjacent parcel.
  • At least 5 feet from any alley.
    Applies: Detached accessory buildings. They may not encroach on any recorded easement or right-of-way.
    § 18.102.060 · code text
    Detached accessory buildings shall be located not less than five feet from any alley and shall not encroach on any easement or right-of-way of record.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

In R-1 districts, county code limits accessory buildings to 20 feet or the main building's height, whichever is lower, unless the review committee approves.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Lassen County property

Ask GoCodebook how Lassen 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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Lassen County Municipal Code — full text