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Monterey County · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Monterey County

County rule: accessory structures in LDR districts are limited to 15 ft unless the zoning map shows a different limit.

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Key points

  • Accessory height: County rule: accessory structures in LDR districts are limited to 15 ft unless the zoning map shows a different limit.

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

What Monterey County's code says

Monterey County code What Monterey County's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 15 feet.
    Applies: Habitable and non-habitable accessory structures in LDR districts, unless the zoning map shows a different limit.
    § 20.14.060 · code text
    b. Height. Maximum Height: Fifteen (15) feet
Side and rear setback
  • At least 6 feet from the alley right-of-way.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures with access from an alley.
    § 20.62.040 · code text
    Detached accessory structures which have access from any alley shall not be located within six feet of the alley right-of-way.
  • At least 6 feet from the side and rear lines.
    Applies: Habitable accessory structures in LDR districts.
    § 20.14.060 · code text
    Side: Six feet Rear: Six feet
  • 6 feet on the front half of the property; 1 foot on the rear half.
    Applies: Side setback for non-habitable accessory structures in LDR districts.
    § 20.14.060 · code text
    Side: Six feet on front one-half of property; one foot on rear one-half of property.
  • At least 1 foot.
    Applies: Rear setback for non-habitable accessory structures in LDR districts.
    § 20.14.060 · code text
    Rear: One foot

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

County rule: accessory structures in LDR districts are limited to 15 ft unless the zoning map shows a different limit.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Monterey County property

Ask GoCodebook how Monterey 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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Monterey County Municipal Code — full text