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Nevada City · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Nevada City

City rule: detached accessory buildings that do not meet main-building setbacks are limited to 160 sq ft and 30% of the rear yard.

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Key points

  • Accessory buildings: City rule: detached accessory buildings that do not meet main-building setbacks are limited to 160 sq ft and 30% of the rear yard.

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

What Nevada City's code says

Nevada City code What Nevada City's code adds
Size or lot coverage
  • No more than 160 square feet.
    Applies: Detached accessory building in a residential zone that does not meet the main building setbacks.
    § 17.80.010 · code text
    Less than or equal to one hundred sixty square feet in area;
  • No more than 30% of the required rear yard area.
    Applies: Detached accessory building in a residential zone that does not meet the main building setbacks.
    § 17.80.010 · code text
    Shall not exceed thirty percent of the area of the required rear yard.
Side and rear setback
  • Never less than 5 feet from any property line.
    Applies: Detached accessory building in a residential zone that does not meet the main building setbacks.
    § 17.80.010 · code text
    In no case shall such accessory building be less than five feet from any property line;
Distance from the house
  • At least 10 feet from any home, existing or being built, on the same or an adjacent lot.
    Applies: Detached accessory building in a residential zone that does not meet the main building setbacks.
    § 17.80.010 · code text
    Located at least ten (10) feet from any dwelling existing or under construction on the same lot or any adjacent lot.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Nevada City?

City rule: detached accessory buildings that do not meet main-building setbacks are limited to 160 sq ft and 30% of the rear yard.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Nevada City property

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

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Nevada City Municipal Code — full text