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Orinda · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Orinda

Orinda sets a 40-foot standard for small-animal coops and hutches and a 50-foot standard for large-animal barns and stables.

Ask about sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Orinda See coverage

Key points

  • Animal structures: Orinda sets a 40-foot standard for small-animal coops and hutches and a 50-foot standard for large-animal barns and stables.

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

What Orinda's code says

Orinda code What Orinda's code adds
Side and rear setback
  • At least 40 feet from any side or rear property line.
    Applies: Chicken coops, rabbit hutches and similar structures that house small animals.
    § 17.4.23 · code text
    Chicken coops, rabbit hutches, and similar accessory structures provided for the housing of small animals shall be set back not less than sixty (60) feet from the front property line or any street line, and shall be not less than forty (40) feet from any side or rear property line;
  • At least 50 feet from any side or rear property line.
    Applies: Barns, stables and other structures that shelter large animals.
    § 17.4.23 · code text
    barns, stables and other buildings or structures used to shelter large animals shall be set back not less than one hundred (100) feet from the front property line or any street line and shall not be less than fifty (50) feet from any side or rear property line;
Distance from the house
  • At least 5 feet from the main building.
    § 17.4.22 · code text
    The minimum separation between an accessory structure and the main structure is five (5) feet.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Orinda sets a 40-foot standard for small-animal coops and hutches and a 50-foot standard for large-animal barns and stables.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Orinda property

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

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Orinda Municipal Code — full text