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Fowler · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Fowler

Fowler limits detached accessory structures to 16 feet tall and 600 square feet, unless an Administrative Approval allows more.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: Fowler limits detached accessory structures to 16 feet tall and 600 square feet, unless an Administrative Approval allows more.

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

What Fowler's code says

Fowler code What Fowler's code adds
Maximum height
  • Detached accessory structures may be no more than 16 feet tall overall.
    Applies: Measured as overall building height.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    Not exceed a building plate height of twelve (12) feet and an overall building height of sixteen (16) feet.
  • Detached accessory structures may have a plate height of no more than 12 feet.
    Applies: Measured as building plate height.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    Not exceed a building plate height of twelve (12) feet and an overall building height of sixteen (16) feet.
  • Outdoor fireplaces may be no more than 6 feet tall.
    Applies: Applies to outdoor fireplaces.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    Outdoor fireplaces shall not exceed a total height of six (6) feet.
  • Playground structures may be no more than 12 feet tall.
    Applies: Applies to playground structures.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    Playground structures shall not exceed a total height of twelve (12) feet.
Size or lot coverage
  • Detached accessory structures may be no more than 600 square feet.
    Applies: Structures 6 feet or more from the main structure. An Administrative Approval can allow more.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    Not exceed a maximum of six-hundred (600) square feet.
  • They may take up no more than 20% of the length of the required rear yard.
    Applies: Outdoor fireplaces, playground structures and similar structures; length measured between side lot lines.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    Such structures shall occupy no more than twenty (20) percent of the length of the required rear yard, measured between side lot lines.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 12 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures in R-1-12 districts.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    R-1-12 | 12 feet
  • At least 10 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures in R-1-10 districts.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    R-1-10 | 10 feet
  • At least 8.5 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures in R-1-8.5 districts.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    R-1-8.5 | 8.5 feet
  • At least 7 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures in R-1-7 districts.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    R-1-7 | 7 feet
  • At least 6 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures in R-1-6 districts.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    R-1-6 | 6 feet
  • At least 5 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures in R-1-5 districts.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    R-1-5 | 5 feet
  • At least 5 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures in RM districts.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    RM districts | 5 feet
  • At least 4 feet from the side property line.
    Applies: Outdoor fireplaces, playground structures and similar structures in the rear one-third of a lot.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    Not be located any closer than four (4) feet from the side property line if located within the rear one-third of a lot.
  • At least 4 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Outdoor fireplaces, playground structures and similar structures.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    Not be located any closer than four (4) feet from the rear property line.
No permit needed up to
  • No building permit is needed for an accessory structure of 120 square feet or less.
    Applies: A building permit is required for any accessory structure over 120 square feet.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    A building permit shall be required for any accessory structure over one-hundred twenty (120) square feet in area.
Distance from the house
  • Accessory structures 6 feet or more from the main structure follow the detached-structure rules.
    Applies: Closer structures must meet the main structure's coverage, height and setback rules.
    § 9-5.21.05 · code text
    Accessory structures constructed six (6) feet or more from the main structure shall:

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

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

Fowler limits detached accessory structures to 16 feet tall and 600 square feet, unless an Administrative Approval allows more.

General information, not legal advice.

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Fowler Municipal Code — full text