Sheds and accessory structures in Scotts Valley

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

What Scotts Valley's code says

Scotts Valley code What Scotts Valley's code adds
Maximum height	At most 18 feet tall, and never taller than the main house. Applies: In R-1, R-R and R-MT, on lots under 10,000 square feet, for structures that meet the district yard rules. § 17.46.130 · code text 18 ft. on lots less than 10,000 sq. ft. [6] At most 25 feet tall, and never taller than the main house. Applies: In R-1, R-R and R-MT, on lots of 10,000 to 20,000 square feet, for structures that meet the district yard rules. § 17.46.130 · code text 25 ft. on lots 10,000—20,000 sq. ft. [6] At most 35 feet tall, and never taller than the main house. Applies: In R-1, R-R and R-MT, on lots over 20,000 square feet, for structures that meet the district yard rules. § 17.46.130 · code text 35 ft. on lots more than 20,000 sq. ft. [6] At most 18 feet tall. Applies: In R-M, R-H and R-VH, for structures that meet the district yard rules. Lots with a single-family home follow R-1 limits. § 17.46.130 · code text 18 ft. [2]
Size or lot coverage	At most 1,200 square feet. Applies: In R-1, R-R and R-MT, for structures that meet the district yard rules. Larger is allowed with a recorded deed restriction. § 17.46.130 · code text 1,200 sq. ft. [3] At most 120 square feet. Applies: In R-1, R-R and R-MT, for structures that do not meet the district yard rules. § 17.46.130 · code text 120 sq. ft. No maximum size, subject to design review. Applies: In R-M, R-H and R-VH. Lots with a single-family home follow R-1 limits. § 17.46.130 · code text No maximum, subject to design review [2] No more than 100% of the main house's floor area. Applies: In R-1, R-R and R-MT, for structures over 1,200 square feet allowed with a recorded deed restriction. § 17.46.130 · code text The floor area of an accessory structure subject to such a deed restriction shall not exceed one hundred percent of the primary dwelling floor area.
Side and rear setback	At least 3 feet from side and rear lines. Applies: In R-1, R-R, R-MT, R-M, R-H or R-VH, for structures under 8 feet tall and 120 square feet. § 17.46.130 · code text 3 ft. for structures less than 8 ft. in height and 120 sq. ft. in size. Same setbacks as the main house. Applies: In R-1, R-R, R-MT, R-M, R-H or R-VH, for all other accessory structures. § 17.46.130 · code text Same as primary dwelling for all other structures. [1] From the rear line: the same as the required side yard on the adjoining key lot. Applies: On a reversed corner lot, for structures 10 feet or more tall or 120 square feet or more. § 17.46.130 · code text Rear property line: Same as the required side yard on the adjoining key lot. At least 6 feet from an alley. Applies: For accessory structures. § 17.46.130 · code text An accessory structure shall be setback a minimum of six feet from an alley.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Scotts Valley?

In R-1, R-R and R-MT districts, accessory structures are limited to 18, 25 or 35 feet by lot size, never above the home.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Scotts Valley

Key points

What Scotts Valley's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Scotts Valley property

More on building on your lot in Scotts Valley