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El Monte · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in El Monte

El Monte limits accessory buildings in residential zones to one story and 16 feet, and 800 square feet in total per property.

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Key points

  • Accessory buildings: El Monte limits accessory buildings in residential zones to one story and 16 feet, and 800 square feet in total per property.

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

What El Monte's code says

El Monte code What El Monte's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 1 story and 16 feet high.
    Applies: Accessory buildings in any residential zone.
    § 17.110.020 · code text
    Accessory buildings located in any residential zone shall not exceed one story and sixteen (16) feet in height.
Size or lot coverage
  • No more than 800 square feet in total.
    Applies: All accessory buildings on one residential property combined.
    § 17.110.020 · code text
    The total area for all accessory buildings shall not exceed eight hundred (800) square feet per residential property.
  • No more than 600 square feet per dwelling in total.
    Applies: A property with more than 1 detached single-family dwelling.
    § 17.110.020 · code text
    If there is more than one detached single-family dwelling on a property, the total area for accessory buildings shall not exceed six hundred (600) square feet per dwelling.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 4 feet from the interior side and rear property lines.
    Applies: Accessory buildings and structures in any residential zone.
    § 17.110.020 · code text
    Accessory buildings and structures located in any residential zone shall have a minimum interior side and rear yard setback of four (4) feet.
  • Must meet the minimum setbacks of the base zoning district.
    Applies: On a corner lot.
    § 17.110.020 · code text
    On a corner lot, the setbacks shall meet the minimum required of the underlying zoning district.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

El Monte limits accessory buildings in residential zones to one story and 16 feet, and 800 square feet in total per property.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific El Monte property

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

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El Monte Municipal Code — full text