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Citrus Heights · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Citrus Heights

Detached accessory structures are limited to 16 feet; taller needs a larger setback (1 foot per extra foot) or a minor use permit. All residential accessory structures combined are limited to 2,400 square feet, unless a Minor Use Permit allows more.

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Key points

  • Accessory height: Detached accessory structures are limited to 16 feet; taller needs a larger setback (1 foot per extra foot) or a minor use permit.
  • Accessory size: All residential accessory structures combined are limited to 2,400 square feet, unless a Minor Use Permit allows more.

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

What Citrus Heights's code says

Citrus Heights code What Citrus Heights's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 16 feet.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures. Taller only if the 5-foot setback grows 1 foot for each foot above 16 feet, or with a minor use permit.
    § 106.42.200 · code text
    An accessory structure shall not exceed a maximum height of 16 feet.
Size or lot coverage
  • No more than 2,400 square feet for all accessory structures combined.
    Applies: Residential accessory structures, unless a Minor Use Permit allows more.
    § 106.42.200 · code text
    The combined square footage of all accessory structures shall not exceed 2,400 square feet unless authorized through Minor Use Permit approval.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from the rear and interior side lines.
    Applies: Detached patio covers open on at least 3 sides, which may be in the rear setback. At least 12.5 feet from a street side line.
    § 106.42.200 · code text
    No part of a detached patio cover shall be closer than five feet to a rear property line, five feet to interior side, and 12.5 feet to street side property line.
  • At least 5 feet from the interior side and rear lines.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures. The setback grows 1 foot for each foot of height above 16 feet.
    § 106.42.200 · code text
    An accessory structure shall maintain interior side and rear setbacks of at least five feet; except that the Director may authorize a minimum side and/or rear setback of three feet.
  • At least 3 feet from the interior side or rear line.
    Applies: Only when the Director allows it.
    § 106.42.200 · code text
    An accessory structure shall maintain interior side and rear setbacks of at least five feet; except that the Director may authorize a minimum side and/or rear setback of three feet.
Distance from the house
  • At least 5 feet from other accessory structures and the main home.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures. Does not apply to patio covers or carports.
    § 106.42.200 · code text
    An accessory structure shall maintain at least a five-foot separation from other accessory structures and the primary dwelling unit.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Citrus Heights?

Detached accessory structures are limited to 16 feet; taller needs a larger setback (1 foot per extra foot) or a minor use permit. All residential accessory structures combined are limited to 2,400 square feet, unless a Minor Use Permit allows more.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Citrus Heights property

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

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Citrus Heights Municipal Code — full text