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Lathrop · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Lathrop

In the R-1 district, city code limits accessory structures to 15 feet; those over 8 feet need a 5-foot interior side and rear setback.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: In the R-1 district, city code limits accessory structures to 15 feet; those over 8 feet need a 5-foot interior side and rear setback.

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

What Lathrop's code says

Lathrop code What Lathrop's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 15 feet.
    Applies: Accessory structures in the R-1 one-family residential district.
    § 17.32.050 · code text
    > 8 feet to 15 feet
Side and rear setback
  • No setback (0 feet) from the interior side or rear line.
    Applies: Accessory structures 8 feet tall or less in the R-1 district.
    § 17.32.050 · code text
    ≤ 8 feet | Not allowed | 10 ft | 0 ft | 0 ft
  • At least 5 feet from the interior side and rear lines.
    Applies: Accessory structures over 8 feet and up to 15 feet tall in the R-1 district.
    § 17.32.050 · code text
    > 8 feet to 15 feet | Not allowed | 10 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft
  • No setback (0 feet) from the interior side or rear line.
    Applies: Accessory structures and landscape features 8 feet tall or less in the RM district.
    § 17.36.050 · code text
    ≤ 8 feet | Not allowed | 5 ft | 0 ft | 0 ft
  • At least 5 feet from the interior side and rear lines.
    Applies: Accessory structures and landscape features over 8 feet and up to 15 feet tall in the RM district.
    § 17.36.050 · code text
    > 8 feet to 15 feet | Not allowed | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

In the R-1 district, city code limits accessory structures to 15 feet; those over 8 feet need a 5-foot interior side and rear setback.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Lathrop property

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

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