Sheds and accessory structures in Manhattan Beach

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

What Manhattan Beach's code says

Manhattan Beach code What Manhattan Beach's code adds
Maximum height	Accessory structures can be at most 12 feet tall, with some exceptions. § 10.52.050 · code text The maximum height of an accessory structure shall be twelve feet (12′), subject to the provisions of this subsection. Up to 15 feet tall. Applies: For an accessory structure with a roof slope of at least 3 in 12 and a single ridge line near the center. § 10.52.050 · code text The maximum height of any portion of an accessory structure which has a minimum three (3) in twelve (12) roof slope, and has a single roof ridge-line located at approximately the center of the structure, may be fifteen feet (15′). Up to 22 feet tall. Applies: For a guest house or living quarters above a garage, outside required yards, or with rear alley access and 3 feet from all lines. § 10.52.050 · code text The maximum height of any portion of an accessory structure containing a Guest House or accessory living quarters, as defined in this title, constructed directly above a garage, may be twenty-two feet (22′), when that portion is not located within a required yard, or when it takes vehicle access from a rear alley and is located at least three feet (3′) from all property lines.
Size or lot coverage	Up to 900 square feet or 12% of the lot area, whichever is more. Applies: Total floor area of detached accessory structures over 4 feet tall in an RS district. § 10.52.050 · code text In an RS district, the total gross floor area of accessory structures more than four feet (4′) in height that are not attached to a dwelling shall not exceed nine hundred (900) square feet or twelve percent (12%) of lot area, whichever is more.
Side and rear setback	At least 3 feet from the rear or interior side line, or built on the line. Applies: For an accessory structure that is partly or fully in a required rear yard. § 10.52.050 · code text An accessory structure, any portion of which is located within a required rear yard, shall be located on a rear or interior side property line, or shall be not less than three feet (3′) from said property line(s) Between 0 and 3 feet from the property line. Applies: Where a fence, wall or retaining wall sits on an interior side or rear line with no gap to the accessory structure. § 10.52.050 · code text Exception: Where a fence, wall, or retaining wall is located on an interior side or rear property line, the setback for an accessory structure to the property line may be between zero and three feet (3′), providing there is zero clearance between said fence, wall or retaining wall and accessory structure. At least 5 feet from any property line. Applies: For a swimming pool or hot tub and related equipment in a required rear or side yard. § 10.52.050 · code text A swimming pool or hot tub and related equipment may occupy a required rear yard or side yard but shall not be within five feet (5′) of a property line.

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Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Manhattan Beach?

City rule: accessory structures are limited to 12 ft high, or 15 ft with a 3-in-12 roof slope and center ridge.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Manhattan Beach

Key points

What Manhattan Beach's code says

Who this affects

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