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Sierra Madre · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Sierra Madre

Single-story detached accessory structures of 600 sq ft or less are limited to 15 feet; larger or 2-story ones follow main-building standards.

Key points

  • Accessory structures: Single-story detached accessory structures of 600 sq ft or less are limited to 15 feet; larger or 2-story ones follow main-building standards.

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

What Sierra Madre's code says

Sierra Madre code What Sierra Madre's code adds
Maximum height
  • At most 15 feet tall, from finished grade to the top of the ridge.
    Applies: For single-story detached accessory structures of 600 square feet or less, such as gazebos, workshops and sheds.
    § 17.20.060 · code text
    Single-story detached accessory structures, such as gazebos, workshops, storage sheds and similar uses which measure six hundred square feet or less, and with a maximum height of fifteen feet from finished grade to top of ridge as follows:
Size or lot coverage
  • At most 600 square feet.
    Applies: For single-story detached accessory structures using the accessory rules. Larger or 2-story structures must meet main building standards.
    § 17.20.060 · code text
    Single-story detached accessory structures, such as gazebos, workshops, storage sheds and similar uses which measure six hundred square feet or less, and with a maximum height of fifteen feet from finished grade to top of ridge as follows:
  • At most 600 square feet.
    Applies: For single-story detached garages that may sit 3 feet from the side or rear line. Larger garages must meet main building standards.
    § 17.20.060 · code text
    Single-story detached garages, measuring six hundred square feet or less, with a maximum height of fifteen feet as measured from lowest point of adjoining natural or pre-existing grade, or finished grade, whichever is lower, around the perimeter of the garage, to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to a point one-third of the height of a pitched or hipped roof, as shown in Diagram B of Section 17.20.040 (height), may be located a minimum of three feet from the side or rear property line if the detached garage is located behind the primary structure.
  • At most 600 square feet.
    Applies: For single-story detached carports open on at least 2 sides, using the reduced setback with a minor conditional use permit.
    § 17.20.060 · code text
    For single-story detached carports, which are open on at least two sides, measuring six hundred square feet or less, and with a maximum height of fifteen feet as follows:
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from the side and rear property lines.
    Applies: For single-story detached accessory structures of 600 square feet or less, with an administrative design review permit.
    § 17.30.080 · code text
    May be located five feet from the side and/or rear property lines subject to the approval of an administrative design review permit pursuant to Chapter 17.60.
  • At least 3 feet from the side or rear property line.
    Applies: For single-story detached garages of 600 square feet or less located behind the main building.
    § 17.20.060 · code text
    may be located a minimum of three feet from the side or rear property line if the detached garage is located behind the primary structure.
  • At least 3 feet from the side and rear property lines.
    Applies: For single-story detached carports open on at least 2 sides, 600 square feet or less, with a minor conditional use permit.
    § 17.20.060 · code text
    May be located a minimum of three feet from the side and rear property lines subject to the granting of a minor conditional use permit pursuant to the provisions of Section 17.60.055.
  • At least 5 feet from the side and rear property lines.
    Applies: For miscellaneous structures under 120 square feet, with a minor conditional use permit.
    § 17.20.060 · code text
    May be located a minimum of five feet from the side and rear property lines subject to the granting of a minor conditional use permit pursuant to the provisions of Section 17.60.055 (Minor conditional use permits);

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Sierra Madre?

Single-story detached accessory structures of 600 sq ft or less are limited to 15 feet; larger or 2-story ones follow main-building standards.

General information, not legal advice.

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