Title 8 — ZONING›Division 82 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
Chapter 82-14 — YARDS
Contra Costa County Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-02 · Contra Costa County
82-14.002 - Obstructions in yard areas.¶
Every part of a required yard area shall be open and unobstructed to the sky, except that fire escapes, open stairways, chimneys, and the ordinary projections of sills, belt-courses, cornices, eaves, and ornamental features which do not obstruct the light and ventilation on any adjoining parcel of land shall not constitute obstruction nor violate required yard regulations.
(Prior code § 8115: Ord. 382).
82-14.004 - Side yards on lots established before effective date.¶
Notwithstanding any other provisions of Divisions 82 and 84, side yards shall be permitted in any suburban district, transition residential-agricultural district, residential suburban district, single-family residential district, multiple family residential district, multiple family residential district-A, recreational residential district, and forestry recreational district, according to the following table for any lot or parcel of land which was established by records in the office of the recorder before the effective date of Divisions 82 and 84 for the area or district in which the lot or parcel of land is situated:
| Front Width of Lot | Minimum Aggregate Side Yard Allowed | Minimum Single Side Yard Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| 100 feet or less but more than 80 feet | 20 feet | 10 feet |
| 80 feet or less but more than 51 feet | 15 feet | 5 feet |
| 51 feet or less but more than 41 feet | 10 feet | 5 feet |
| 41 feet or less but more than 31 feet | 8 feet | 3 feet |
| 31 feet or less | 6 feet | 3 feet |
(Prior code § 8116).
82-14.006 - Accessory uses in rear yards.¶
An accessory building or accessory use may occupy not more than thirty percent of a required rear yard.
(Prior code § 8117: Ord. 382).
82-14.008 - Rear yard abutting on side yard.¶
In all single-family residential districts (map symbol R-1), multiple family residential districts (map symbol M-R), multiple family residential districts-A (map symbol M-R-A), residential suburban districts (map symbol R-S), transition residential-agriculture districts (map symbol R-A), and suburban districts (map symbol S), there shall be a rear yard of not less than five feet wherever the rear yard of a lot or parcel of land abuts on a side yard.
(Prior code § 8118).
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