Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Albany

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

What Albany's code says

Albany code What Albany's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 12 feet tall. Applies: Accessory structures more than 3 feet from the property line; roof pitch can be no more than 45 degrees. § 20.24.130 · code text The maximum height of an accessory structure shall be twelve (12) feet, except that within three (3) feet of the property line, an accessory structure shall not exceed eight (8) feet six (6) inches in height, as measured from the top of the foundation, and no roof pitch shall exceed forty-five (45°) degrees. No more than 8 feet 6 inches tall, measured from the top of the foundation. Applies: Accessory structures within 3 feet of the property line. § 20.24.130 · code text The maximum height of an accessory structure shall be twelve (12) feet, except that within three (3) feet of the property line, an accessory structure shall not exceed eight (8) feet six (6) inches in height, as measured from the top of the foundation, and no roof pitch shall exceed forty-five (45°) degrees. Flag and light poles can be up to 16 feet tall. Applies: Only if they are set back at least 3 feet from side and rear lines. § 20.24.130 · code text Flag and light poles may be a maximum of sixteen (16) feet provided a 3-foot side and rear setback is maintained. Basketball hoops and similar sports fixtures can be up to 14 feet tall. Applies: Only if they are set back at least 3 feet from side and rear lines. § 20.24.130 · code text Basketball hoop with backboard or similar sports fixture may be a maximum of fourteen (14) feet provided a 3-foot side and rear setback is maintained.
Size or lot coverage	No more than 30% of the required rear setback area or 30% of the whole rear yard, whichever is greater. Applies: All accessory buildings and structures on the lot together. § 20.24.130 · code text No accessory building or structure, nor the aggregate of two (2) or more accessory structures shall occupy more than thirty (30%) percent of the required rear setback area, or more than thirty (30%) percent of the entire rear yard, whichever is greater. No more than 36 square feet. Applies: Tree houses. § 20.24.130 · code text Maximum size. Thirty-six (36) square feet.
Side and rear setback	Either within 6 inches of the side or rear lot line, or at least 3 feet away. Applies: Side and rear lot lines; no windows, doors or vents within 3 feet of the property line. § 20.24.130 · code text Accessory structures shall be within six (6) inches of the side or rear lot line or shall be set back at least three (3) feet from side or rear property line. At least 6 feet from side and rear property lines. Applies: Outdoor cooking areas and fire pits. § 20.24.130 · code text Shall be setback from side and rear property lines by six (6) feet. At least 3 feet from any property line. Applies: Tree houses and their ladders or other ways up. § 20.24.130 · code text No tree house or means of access (e.g. ladder) shall be within three (3) feet of a property line.
Distance from the house	At least 6 feet from the house. § 20.24.130 · code text No accessory structure shall be closer than six (6) feet to the main building on the lot, nor located in a required front setback area.

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

Albany limits accessory structures to 12 feet when more than 3 feet from the property line, and 8 feet 6 inches within 3 feet.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Albany

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