Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Walnut

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

What Walnut's code says

Walnut code What Walnut's code adds
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from a side property line. Applies: R-2 zone. Not allowed in a side yard within 60 feet of the front lot line, or in a street side yard. § 6.28.030 · code text Accessory buildings and structures are permitted in the rear and side yards; provided, that no buildings or structures are permitted in the side yard within 60 feet of the front lot line, nor within five feet of a side property line, nor permitted at all in a side yard abutting a street. At least 5 feet from a side property line. Applies: R-3 zone. Not allowed in a side yard within 60 feet of the front lot line, or in a street side yard. § 6.32.030 · code text Accessory buildings and structures are permitted in the rear and side yards; provided, that no building or structure is permitted in the side yard within 60 feet of the front lot line, nor within five feet of a side property line, nor permitted at all in a side yard abutting a street.
Distance from the house	At least 10 feet from the main building. Applies: In the R-2 zone, for accessory buildings that are not part of the main building. § 6.28.030 · code text All accessory buildings which are not a part of the main building shall be separated from the main building by at least 10 feet. At least 10 feet from the main building. Applies: In the R-3 zone, for accessory buildings that are not part of the main building. § 6.28.030 · code text All accessory buildings which are not a part of the main building shall be separated from the main building by at least 10 feet. At least 35 feet from a habitable building. Applies: For structures that house animals. § 6.16.040 · code text All structures for the housing of animals shall be no closer than 35 feet from a habitable building.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

In R-2 and R-3 zones, Walnut accessory buildings stay at least 5 feet from side lines and out of side yards abutting a street.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Walnut

Key points

What Walnut's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Walnut property

More on building on your lot in Walnut