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Tulare · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Tulare

In medium and high density residential zones, Tulare limits accessory structures in required rear or side setbacks to 20 feet and 300 square feet.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: In medium and high density residential zones, Tulare limits accessory structures in required rear or side setbacks to 20 feet and 300 square feet.

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

What Tulare's code says

Tulare code What Tulare's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 80 feet.
    Applies: Agricultural accessory structures, such as barns, in the agriculture and rural residential zones only.
    § 10.36.120 · code text
    Maximum height: 80 feet.
  • No more than 20 feet.
    Applies: Accessory structures in a required rear or side setback, in medium and high density residential zones.
    § 10.16.110 · code text
    The maximum height shall be 20 feet.
Size or lot coverage
  • No more than 300 square feet of floor area.
    Applies: Accessory structures in a required rear or side setback, in medium and high density residential zones.
    § 10.16.110 · code text
    The floor area shall be a maximum of 300 square feet.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 3 feet from the rear lot line.
    Applies: Agricultural accessory structures up to 12 feet tall, in the agriculture and rural residential zones.
    § 10.36.120 · code text
    In the case where the accessory structure will not exceed 12 feet in height, the rear yard setback shall be three feet.
  • At least 3 feet from the side lot line.
    Applies: Agricultural accessory structures up to 12 feet tall, in the agriculture and rural residential zones.
    § 10.36.120 · code text
    side yard setback shall be three feet.
  • Walls at least 3 feet from the rear and side lot lines.
    Applies: Accessory structures in a required rear or side setback, in medium and high density residential zones.
    § 10.16.110 · code text
    The walls shall be at least three feet from the rear and side lot lines.
  • Roof eaves at least 2 feet from the rear and side lot lines.
    Applies: Accessory structures in a required rear or side setback, in medium and high density residential zones.
    § 10.16.110 · code text
    The roof eaves shall be at least two feet from the rear and side lot lines.
  • Walls at least 5 feet from the rear and side lot lines.
    Applies: Accessory structures in a required rear or side setback, in the rural residential zone.
    § 10.10.110 · code text
    The walls shall be at least five feet from the rear and side lot lines.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Tulare?

In medium and high density residential zones, Tulare limits accessory structures in required rear or side setbacks to 20 feet and 300 square feet.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Tulare property

Ask GoCodebook how Tulare's sheds, garages and other accessory structures rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Tulare Municipal Code — full text