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Palos Verdes Estates · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Palos Verdes Estates

Habitable accessory structures: at most 700 square feet or 10 percent of the lot, whichever is less, without a conditional use permit.

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Key points

  • Habitable size: Habitable accessory structures: at most 700 square feet or 10 percent of the lot, whichever is less, without a conditional use permit.

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

What Palos Verdes Estates's code says

Palos Verdes Estates code What Palos Verdes Estates's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 3 feet 6 inches.
    Applies: In R-1 and R-M zones, for accessory structures in the minimum required setback next to a public street. Alley setbacks not included.
    § 18.32.010 · code text
    Any fence, wall or accessory structure in the minimum required setback adjacent to a public street shall not exceed three feet, six inches in height.
  • No more than 6 feet 6 inches on the downhill side.
    Applies: R-1 and R-M zones, in the street setback on a slope downhill from the street. 3 feet 6 inches on the street side.
    § 18.32.010 · code text
    However, if a fence, wall, or accessory structure is located on a downhill slope from the street it shall not exceed three feet, six inches in height on the side facing the street and not exceed six feet, six inches in height on the downhill side of a slope.
  • No more than 6 feet 6 inches.
    Applies: In R-1 and R-M zones, outside the minimum setback next to a public street. Taller needs a special permit.
    § 18.32.010 · code text
    All other fences, walls or accessory structures shall not exceed six feet, six inches in height.
Size or lot coverage
  • No more than 700 square feet or 10% of the lot size, whichever is less.
    Applies: For habitable accessory structures, unless a conditional use permit is obtained. Never larger than the main home.
    § 18.32.010 · code text
    Habitable accessory structures shall not exceed seven hundred square feet or ten percent of the lot size, whichever is less.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Palos Verdes Estates?

Habitable accessory structures: at most 700 square feet or 10 percent of the lot, whichever is less, without a conditional use permit.

General information, not legal advice.

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Palos Verdes Estates Municipal Code — full text