Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in South Gate

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

What South Gate's code says

South Gate code What South Gate's code adds
Maximum height	Accessory structures can be at most 10 feet tall. Applies: Detached accessory structures or buildings in residential zones, except accessory dwelling units. § 11.43.070 · code text All detached accessory structures or buildings within residential zones, except accessory dwelling units, shall be a minimum of five feet from any property line, unless otherwise expressed in this code, be located at least six feet from the main building and be no taller than ten feet high. Canopy structures can be at most 12 feet tall. Applies: Temporary canopies in a rear yard, on the lot no more than 3 days, up to 200 square feet and 20 feet long. § 11.43.070 · code text Canopy structures with a maximum projected canopy area of two hundred square feet, maximum height of twelve feet and a maximum length of twenty feet may be located within a rear yard area. Detached garages may be 2 feet taller than the 10-foot limit. Applies: Residential zones, when the extra height lets the garage roof pitch match the main building's roof pitch. § 11.43.070 · code text Garages are allowed an additional two feet in height to accommodate a roof pitch that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary structure.
Size or lot coverage	Canopy area can be at most 200 square feet. Applies: Temporary canopies in a rear yard, on the lot no more than 3 days. § 11.43.070 · code text Canopy structures with a maximum projected canopy area of two hundred square feet, maximum height of twelve feet and a maximum length of twenty feet may be located within a rear yard area. At most 20 feet long, 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Applies: Temporary storage containers on a lot with a single-family home; permanent placement is not allowed. § 11.43.070 · code text Storage containers shall be no greater than twenty feet in length, ten feet in height, and ten feet in width.
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from any property line. Applies: Detached accessory structures or buildings in residential zones, except accessory dwelling units, unless the code says otherwise. § 11.43.070 · code text All detached accessory structures or buildings within residential zones, except accessory dwelling units, shall be a minimum of five feet from any property line, unless otherwise expressed in this code, be located at least six feet from the main building and be no taller than ten feet high.
Distance from the house	At least 6 feet from the main building. Applies: Detached accessory structures or buildings in residential zones, except accessory dwelling units. § 11.43.070 · code text All detached accessory structures or buildings within residential zones, except accessory dwelling units, shall be a minimum of five feet from any property line, unless otherwise expressed in this code, be located at least six feet from the main building and be no taller than ten feet high.

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Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in South Gate?

South Gate limits detached accessory buildings in residential zones to 10 feet high, at least 5 feet from any property line.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in South Gate

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What South Gate's code says

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