Sheds and accessory structures in Rancho Mirage

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

What Rancho Mirage's code says

Rancho Mirage code What Rancho Mirage's code adds
Maximum height	Detached accessory structures may be no more than 12 feet tall. Applies: Without written approval from the director. § 17.30.190 · code text The height of a detached accessory structure regardless of whether or not it is fully or partially enclosed, shall not exceed twelve feet unless approval is first obtained from the director. No more than 6 feet tall. Applies: Accessory structures in a required rear or side setback that are closer than 10 feet to the rear property line. § 17.30.190 · code text An accessory structure located within a required rear and/or side yard setback shall not exceed six feet in height if closer than ten feet from the rear property line. Detached accessory structures may be up to 16 feet tall. Applies: With the director's written approval; at least 10 feet from side or rear property lines, plus the extra required setback. § 17.30.190 · code text In cases where detached accessory structures first obtain written approval from the director, said detached accessory structure(s) shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from a side or rear property line, plus provide an additional 2:1 setback for each vertical foot in height up to a maximum of sixteen feet.
Size or lot coverage	All accessory structures together may cover no more than 30% of the main home's habitable floor area. Applies: Residential zoning districts. § 17.30.190 · code text The aggregate site coverage of accessory structures in residential zoning districts shall not exceed thirty percent of the habitable floor area of the main dwelling. Accessory structures may cover no more than 15% of a required side setback area. Applies: Applies within a required side setback area. § 17.30.190 · code text Accessory structures may occupy up to a maximum of fifteen percent of a required side setback area and up to a maximum of twenty-five percent of a required rear setback area. Accessory structures may cover no more than 25% of a required rear setback area. Applies: Applies within a required rear setback area. § 17.30.190 · code text Accessory structures may occupy up to a maximum of fifteen percent of a required side setback area and up to a maximum of twenty-five percent of a required rear setback area.
Side and rear setback	At least 10 feet from side or rear property lines. Applies: Detached accessory structures over 12 feet, up to 16 feet, with director approval; plus an extra 2:1 setback for each foot of height. § 17.30.190 · code text In cases where detached accessory structures first obtain written approval from the director, said detached accessory structure(s) shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from a side or rear property line, plus provide an additional 2:1 setback for each vertical foot in height up to a maximum of sixteen feet. At least 10 feet from the rear property line, and not in a side setback. Applies: Accessory structures 6 feet tall or taller. § 17.30.190 · code text An accessory structure six feet or more in height shall not be located within a side setback and shall be located no closer than ten feet from the rear property line. No side or rear setback is required. Applies: Accessory structures under 6 feet tall, only if screened from neighbors by a 6-foot solid fence or wall. § 17.30.190 · code text An accessory structure less than six feet in height shall have no side or rear setback requirement, provided it is screened from neighboring views with a solid fence or wall that is six feet high.
Distance from the house	At least 8 feet from the main structure. Applies: Detached accessory structures. They must also be at least 3 feet from other accessory structures. § 17.30.190 · code text A detached accessory structure shall not be located closer than eight feet to a main structure or closer than three feet to any other accessory structure on the same property or as otherwise specified in this code.

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Detached accessory structures are limited to 12 feet, or 16 feet with the director's written approval and a 10-foot setback plus extra setback.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Rancho Mirage

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