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El Cajon · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in El Cajon

El Cajon limits accessory structures to 20 feet and no larger than the home; footprints over 1,200 square feet need a minor use permit.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: El Cajon limits accessory structures to 20 feet and no larger than the home; footprints over 1,200 square feet need a minor use permit.

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

What El Cajon's code says

El Cajon code What El Cajon's code adds
Maximum height
  • Accessory structures can be at most 20 feet tall.
    § 17.140.120 · code text
    Accessory structures are limited to a height of 20 feet.
Size or lot coverage
  • No accessory structure can be larger than the main home.
    Applies: Each individual accessory structure.
    § 17.140.120 · code text
    An individual accessory structure shall not be larger than the primary dwelling unit.
  • A footprint over 1,200 square feet needs a minor use permit.
    Applies: Each accessory structure.
    § 17.140.120 · code text
    Accessory structures with a footprint greater than 1,200 square feet are subject to the approval of a minor use permit, in conformance with Chapter 17.58.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 3 feet from interior side and rear property lines.
    Applies: Accessory structures 12 feet tall or less.
    § 17.140.120 · code text
    Accessory structures, no greater than 12 feet in height, are subject to a minimum three foot setback from the interior side and rear yard property lines.
  • At least 5 feet from interior side and rear property lines.
    Applies: Accessory structures taller than 12 feet.
    § 17.140.120 · code text
    Accessory structures, greater than 12 feet in height, are subject to a minimum five foot setback from the interior side and rear yard property lines.
Distance from the house
  • At least 6 feet from any other structure.
    Applies: Any single-family zone.
    § 17.140.120 · code text
    Accessory structures shall not be located closer than six feet from any other structure in any single-family zone.
  • At least 12 feet from any building people live in.
    Applies: Any multi-family zone.
    § 17.140.120 · code text
    Accessory structures shall not be located closer than 12 feet from any structure used for human habitation in any multi-family zone.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in El Cajon?

El Cajon limits accessory structures to 20 feet and no larger than the home; footprints over 1,200 square feet need a minor use permit.

General information, not legal advice.

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El Cajon Municipal Code — full text