Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Coalinga

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

What Coalinga's code says

Coalinga code What Coalinga's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 18 feet. Applies: Detached residential accessory structures. § 9-5.101 · code text The maximum height shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet.
Size or lot coverage	No more than 1,000 square feet in total. Applies: All detached residential accessory structures combined, unless the Community Development Director approves more. § 9-5.101 · code text The floor area of detached accessory structures shall not exceed a cumulative floor area of 1,000 square feet unless approved by the Community Development Director. No larger than the ground floor area of the main building. Applies: Detached residential accessory buildings, even when the Director approves more than 1,000 square feet. § 9-5.101 · code text In no case shall the accessory building exceed the ground floor area of the main building and in no case shall the maximum lot coverage allowed by the development standards be exceeded.
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from any rear property line. Applies: Detached accessory buildings in the rear third of a lot. § 9-5.101 · code text When located in the rear one-third of a lot, detached accessory buildings shall not be located closer than five (5) feet to any rear property line, except when the rear property line is adjacent to an alley right-of-way, street right-of-way, park or other open space, the accessory building shall not be closer than one (1) foot to such rear property line. At least 1 foot from the rear property line. Applies: Detached accessory buildings in the rear third of a lot, when the rear line borders an alley, street, park or other open space. § 9-5.101 · code text When located in the rear one-third of a lot, detached accessory buildings shall not be located closer than five (5) feet to any rear property line, except when the rear property line is adjacent to an alley right-of-way, street right-of-way, park or other open space, the accessory building shall not be closer than one (1) foot to such rear property line. May be in the required side yard setback. Applies: Accessory buildings under 120 square feet in the rear third of the lot, if they do not encroach and allow proper drainage. § 9-5.101 · code text If an accessory building is or under one hundred twenty (120) square feet, it may be permitted within the required side yard setback so long as it is located in the rear one-third of the lot and does not encroach upon the adjacent property and allows for proper drainage.
Distance from the house	At least 6 feet from any main building. Applies: Detached residential accessory structures that need a building permit, except shade structures. § 9-5.101 · code text Detached accessory structures requiring a building permit, with the exception of shade structures shall be separated from any main building by a minimum of six (6) feet.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Detached residential accessory structures are limited to 18 feet and 1,000 square feet combined, unless the Community Development Director approves more.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Coalinga

Key points

What Coalinga's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Coalinga property

More on building on your lot in Coalinga