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Lancaster · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Lancaster

Detached accessory structures are limited to 8 feet if 120 sq ft or less, otherwise one story or 12 feet; detached garages 20 feet.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: Detached accessory structures are limited to 8 feet if 120 sq ft or less, otherwise one story or 12 feet; detached garages 20 feet.

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

What Lancaster's code says

Lancaster code What Lancaster's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 8 feet.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures of 120 square feet or less.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    Detached accessory structures 120 sq. ft. or less (small shed, etc.) | 8 feet
  • No more than 1 story or 12 feet.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures over 120 square feet.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    Detached accessory structures greater than 120 sq. ft. (shed, gazebo, etc.) | One story or 12 feet
  • No more than 20 feet.
    Applies: Detached garages without second-story living area.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    Detached garages (without 2 nd story living area) | 20 feet
Size or lot coverage
  • Roofed structures may cover no more than 50% of the required rear yard.
    Applies: Infill residential lots under 7,000 square feet may cover up to 60%.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    No more than 50% of the required rear yard shall be covered by roofed structures.
  • Up to 60% of the rear yard may be covered by roofed structures.
    Applies: Infill residential lots smaller than 7,000 square feet.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    Infill residential lots (smaller than 7,000 square feet) may have up to 60% of the rear yard covered by roofed structures.
Side and rear setback
  • No setback (0 feet) from the interior side and rear lines.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures of 120 square feet or less. Front and street side setbacks of the zone still apply.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    Detached accessory structures 120 sq. ft. or less (small shed, etc.) | 8 feet | 0 feet | 6 feet
  • At least 5 feet from the interior side and rear lines.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures over 120 square feet. Front and street side setbacks of the zone still apply.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    Detached accessory structures greater than 120 sq. ft. (shed, gazebo, etc.) | One story or 12 feet | 5 feet | 6 feet
  • No setback (0 feet) from the interior side and rear lines.
    Applies: Detached garages without second-story living area. Must not drain onto neighboring properties.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    Detached garages (without 2 nd story living area) | 20 feet | 0 feet | 6 feet
Distance from the house
  • At least 6 feet from the main building.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures of 120 square feet or less.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    Detached accessory structures 120 sq. ft. or less (small shed, etc.) | 8 feet | 0 feet | 6 feet
  • At least 6 feet from the main building.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures over 120 square feet.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    Detached accessory structures greater than 120 sq. ft. (shed, gazebo, etc.) | One story or 12 feet | 5 feet | 6 feet
  • At least 6 feet from the main building.
    Applies: Detached garages without second-story living area.
    § 17.08.160 · code text
    Detached garages (without 2 nd story living area) | 20 feet | 0 feet | 6 feet

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Detached accessory structures are limited to 8 feet if 120 sq ft or less, otherwise one story or 12 feet; detached garages 20 feet.

General information, not legal advice.

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Lancaster Municipal Code — full text