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Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Newport Beach

City rule: accessory structures in required side or rear setbacks are limited to 6 ft high and 150 sq ft each.

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Key points

  • Setback structures: City rule: accessory structures in required side or rear setbacks are limited to 6 ft high and 150 sq ft each.

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

What Newport Beach's code says

Newport Beach code What Newport Beach's code adds
Maximum height
  • Accessory structures in a side or rear setback can be at most 6 feet tall.
    Applies: Each structure, including mechanical equipment housings, at most 150 square feet; not in a rear setback next to an alley.
    § 21.30.110 · code text
    Accessory structures, including housings for mechanical equipment, not more than six feet in height and totaling no more than one hundred fifty (150) square feet per structure, may be located within a required side or rear setback area other than a rear setback area abutting an alley.
  • Arbors, trellises and similar garden structures can be at most 9 feet tall.
    Applies: When they extend into required front, side or rear setbacks.
    § 21.30.110 · code text
    The maximum height of the structure shall not exceed nine feet.
Size or lot coverage
  • At most 150 square feet per structure.
    Applies: Accessory structures up to 6 feet tall, including equipment housings, in a side or rear setback; not in a rear setback next to an alley.
    § 21.30.110 · code text
    Accessory structures, including housings for mechanical equipment, not more than six feet in height and totaling no more than one hundred fifty (150) square feet per structure, may be located within a required side or rear setback area other than a rear setback area abutting an alley.
  • Footprint can be at most 16 square feet.
    Applies: Arbors, trellises and similar garden structures that extend into required front, side or rear setbacks.
    § 21.30.110 · code text
    The maximum footprint of the structure shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet;

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

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

City rule: accessory structures in required side or rear setbacks are limited to 6 ft high and 150 sq ft each.

General information, not legal advice.

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Newport Beach Municipal Code — full text