Sheds and accessory structures in Santa Monica

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

What Santa Monica's code says

Santa Monica code What Santa Monica's code adds
Maximum height	Accessory structures can be at most 14 feet tall. Applies: For structures such as carports, gazebos, cabanas and mechanical equipment. Garages and sheds have separate limits. § 9.21.020 · code text Accessory structures greater than 14 feet in height are not permitted. At most 2 stories or 24 feet tall. Applies: For accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet in Residential Districts. § 9.21.020 · code text The accessory building shall not exceed 2 stories or 24 feet in height. At most 1 story and 11 feet tall with a flat roof. Applies: For a private garage in the front setback of a sloped lot: ground 50 feet back differs 12 feet or more from the curb. § 9.21.020 · code text a private garage, not exceeding one story nor 11 feet in height for a flat roof and one story nor 14 feet in height for a pitched roof At most 1 story and 14 feet tall with a pitched roof. Applies: For a private garage in the front setback of a sloped lot: ground 50 feet back differs 12 feet or more from the curb. § 9.21.020 · code text a private garage, not exceeding one story nor 11 feet in height for a flat roof and one story nor 14 feet in height for a pitched roof At most 11 feet tall with a flat roof. Applies: For a garage in an OP District with a grade difference of 10 feet or more, set back to the average of nearby garages. § 9.21.020 · code text the height does not exceed 11 feet for a flat roof and 14 feet for a pitched roof. At most 14 feet tall with a pitched roof. Applies: For a garage in an OP District with a grade difference of 10 feet or more, set back to the average of nearby garages. § 9.21.020 · code text the height does not exceed 11 feet for a flat roof and 14 feet for a pitched roof.
Size or lot coverage	At most 650 square feet of total floor area, including any garage area. Applies: For accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet in Residential Districts. Accessory dwelling units are exempt. § 9.21.020 · code text The total floor area of an accessory building that exceeds 14 feet or one story in height shall not exceed 650 square feet including any area approved for use as a garage. A second floor can be at most 250 square feet. Applies: For accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet in Residential Districts. § 9.21.020 · code text No accessory building shall have a second floor that exceeds 250 square feet in size. Can take up no more than 50% of the width of the front lot line. Applies: For a private garage in the front setback of a sloped lot: ground 50 feet back differs 12 feet or more from the curb. § 9.21.020 · code text and does not occupy more than 50% of the width of the front parcel line. Roof decks, landings, walkways and balconies can be at most 35 square feet. Applies: On accessory buildings in the R1 District, for first-story roof decks and upper walkways. Accessory dwelling units are excluded. § 9.21.020 · code text shall not exceed 35 square feet in area
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from the rear lot line. Applies: For accessory buildings no taller than 14 feet in the rear setback, in Residential Districts. § 9.21.020 · code text Accessory buildings no more than 14 feet in height may be located in the rear setback but shall be located at least 5 feet from the rear parcel line. At least 5 feet from the rear lot line next to the alley. Applies: For garages with vehicle access from an alley. § 9.21.020 · code text Where vehicle access is taken from an alley, garages shall be set back at least 5 feet from the rear parcel line abutting said alley. At least 15 feet from the centerline of a rear alley. Applies: For accessory buildings in the rear setback. § 9.21.020 · code text Accessory buildings may be located in the rear setback and shall be located at least 15 feet from the centerline of a rear alley. At least 5 feet from the side lot line of any key lot. Applies: For accessory buildings on a reversed corner lot. § 9.21.020 · code text nor be located nearer than 5 feet to the side parcel line of any key parcel. Same side setback as the main building, but never less than 5 feet. Applies: For accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet in Residential Districts. § 9.21.020 · code text The accessory building shall have the same minimum side setback requirement as the principal building on the parcel, but in no case less than 5 feet. No closer than 5 feet to the rear property line. Applies: For the second-story part of an accessory building directly above the garage. § 9.21.020 · code text The second story portion of an accessory building that is directly above the garage may extend into the required rear setback but shall be no closer than 5 feet from the rear property line At least 25 feet from the nearest side property line. Applies: For first-story roof decks, landings, upper walkways and balconies in the R1 District. § 9.21.020 · code text must be set back at least 25 feet from the side property line closest to the structure At least 25 feet from the rear property line. Applies: For first-story roof decks, landings, upper walkways and balconies in the R1 District. § 9.21.020 · code text and at least 25 feet from the rear property line.
Distance from the house	An accessory building less than 4 feet from the main building counts as part of it. Also if joined by fully enclosed space. Does not apply to accessory dwelling units. § 9.21.020 · code text an accessory building shall be considered part of the principal building if the accessory building is located less than four feet from the principal building

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Carports, gazebos and similar structures are limited to 14 feet; accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet, 24 feet and 650 sq ft.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Santa Monica

Key points

What Santa Monica's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Santa Monica property

More on building on your lot in Santa Monica