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Santa Clarita · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Santa Clarita

In the UR2, UR3, UR4 and UR5 zones, accessory structures are limited to 20 feet or the main home's height, whichever is less.

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Key points

  • Accessory height: In the UR2, UR3, UR4 and UR5 zones, accessory structures are limited to 20 feet or the main home's height, whichever is less.

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

What Santa Clarita's code says

Santa Clarita code What Santa Clarita's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 20 feet or the height of the main home, whichever is less.
    Applies: UR2, UR3, UR4 and UR5 zones.
    § 17.57.040 · code text
    Such buildings and structures shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height or exceed the height of the primary residence, whichever is less, in the UR2, UR3, UR4, and UR5 zones.
  • No higher than the main home, measured floor to peak.
    Applies: Accessory structures in the UR2, UR3, UR4, UR5, MXC, MXN, MXUV and PI zones.
    § 17.57.040 · code text
    In the UR2, UR3, UR4, UR5, MXC, MXN, MXUV, and PI zones, accessory structures/outbuildings shall not exceed the height (floor to peak) of the primary dwelling unit and are subject to the height standards listed in subsection (A) of this section.
Size or lot coverage
  • No more than 1 accessory structure.
    Applies: Enclosed accessory structures on parcels under 20,000 square feet; more need a minor use permit.
    § 17.57.040 · code text
    For parcels less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet in size, a maximum of one (1) accessory structure/outbuilding is permitted.
  • No more than 2 accessory structures.
    Applies: Enclosed accessory structures on parcels of 20,000 square feet to under 1 acre; more need a minor use permit.
    § 17.57.040 · code text
    For parcels that are at least twenty thousand (20,000) square feet, but less than one (1) acre in size, a maximum of two (2) accessory structure/outbuildings are permitted.
  • No more than 3 accessory structures.
    Applies: Enclosed accessory structures on parcels of 1 acre or more; more need a minor use permit.
    § 17.57.040 · code text
    For parcels that are one (1) acre or greater in size, a maximum of three (3) accessory structure/outbuildings are permitted.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 15 feet from all side and rear property lines.
    Applies: Residential sport courts with an enclosure, wall or fence.
    § 17.57.040 · code text
    The required setback for all sport courts with an enclosure, wall, or fence shall be fifteen (15) feet from all side and rear property lines.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Santa Clarita?

In the UR2, UR3, UR4 and UR5 zones, accessory structures are limited to 20 feet or the main home's height, whichever is less.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Santa Clarita property

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

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Santa Clarita Municipal Code — full text