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Newark · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Newark

City rule: residential accessory structures are limited to 12 ft; in RS and RL districts, to 30% of the required rear yard.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: City rule: residential accessory structures are limited to 12 ft; in RS and RL districts, to 30% of the required rear yard.

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

What Newark's code says

Newark code What Newark's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 12 feet.
    Applies: Accessory structures in residential districts.
    § 17.17.020 · code text
    The maximum allowable height of accessory structures is twelve feet except that accessory structures in non-residential districts with a minimum roof pitch of 4:12 may be up to sixteen feet in height.
Size or lot coverage
  • No more than 30% of the required rear yard area.
    Applies: RS and RL districts; must be in the rear half of the lot; no more than 2, not counting a detached garage.
    § 17.17.020 · code text
    In the RS and RL Districts, accessory structures shall be located in the rear half of the lot, shall not occupy more than thirty percent of the required rear yard area.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 3 feet from interior side and rear property lines.
    Applies: Accessory structures over 6 feet 6 inches tall or over 120 square feet.
    § 17.17.020 · code text
    Accessory structures greater than six feet six inches in height or more than one hundred twenty square feet in size shall be setback a minimum of three feet from interior side and rear property lines.
Distance from the house
  • At least 6 feet from the main building, including the roof.
    § 17.17.020 · code text
    Detached accessory structures shall be located a minimum of six feet from the main building, inclusive of roof covering.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

City rule: residential accessory structures are limited to 12 ft; in RS and RL districts, to 30% of the required rear yard.

General information, not legal advice.

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Newark Municipal Code — full text