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Santa Paula · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Santa Paula

A single-story non-habitable accessory building in a residential rear yard needs a 3-foot setback, unless it meets the opening and drainage exception.

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

Key points

  • Rear-yard sheds: A single-story non-habitable accessory building in a residential rear yard needs a 3-foot setback, unless it meets the opening and drainage exception.

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

What Santa Paula's code says

Santa Paula code What Santa Paula's code adds
Side and rear setback
  • At least 10 feet.
    Applies: Accessory building in a side yard next to a public street, 50 feet or more from the front property line.
    § 16.13.040 · code text
    An accessory building located 50 feet or more from the front property line must have a minimum setback of 10 feet; otherwise, the setback must be the same as required for the main building.
  • At least 3 feet from the rear line.
    Applies: Single-story non-habitable accessory buildings in residential zones; not required if no openings face the line and roof water stays on the lot.
    § 16.13.040 · code text
    Otherwise, a minimum rear yard setback of three feet is required.
  • 26 feet from the far side of the alley or 2 feet from the property line, whichever is greater.
    Applies: Single-story non-habitable accessory buildings in residential zones with direct vehicle access from an alley.
    § 16.13.040 · code text
    An accessory building with direct vehicle access from the alley must be located a minimum distance of 26 feet from the opposite side of the alley or two feet from the property line, whichever is greater.
  • At least 5 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Reverse corner lot, where the rear line is also the side line of an adjoining property.
    § 16.13.040 · code text
    On a reverse corner lot, the accessory building must have a minimum setback of five feet from the rear property line, which is also the side property line of an adjoining property.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

A single-story non-habitable accessory building in a residential rear yard needs a 3-foot setback, unless it meets the opening and drainage exception.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Santa Paula property

Ask GoCodebook how Santa Paula'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 Paula Municipal Code — full text