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Martinez · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Martinez

City rule: accessory structures are limited to 1 story or 15 ft (higher with a use permit) and 1,000 sq ft each.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: City rule: accessory structures are limited to 1 story or 15 ft (higher with a use permit) and 1,000 sq ft each.

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

What Martinez's code says

Martinez code What Martinez's code adds
Maximum height
  • At most 1 story or 15 feet tall.
    Applies: Taller only with a use permit.
    § 22.12.265 · code text
    The height of an accessory structure may not exceed one story or 15 feet.
Size or lot coverage
  • Any 1 accessory structure can be at most 1,000 square feet.
    § 22.12.265 · code text
    The maximum size of any 1 accessory structure is 1,000 square feet; and the total size of all accessory structures on a lot cannot exceed 50% of the main structure's gross floor area.
  • All accessory structures together can be at most 50% of the main building's gross floor area.
    Applies: Total size of all accessory structures on a lot.
    § 22.12.265 · code text
    The maximum size of any 1 accessory structure is 1,000 square feet; and the total size of all accessory structures on a lot cannot exceed 50% of the main structure's gross floor area.
  • Can cover no more than 25% of the minimum required rear yard.
    Applies: For accessory structures placed fully or partly in the minimum required rear yard.
    § 22.12.265 · code text
    Provided that the accessory structure(s) do not cover more than 25% of the minimum rear yard otherwise required by Section 22.12.240 Rear Yards, accessory structure(s) may be placed, or partially placed, within such minimum required rear yards, subject to the following requirements:
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from the rear and interior side lines next to the required rear yard.
    Applies: For accessory structures fully or partly in the minimum rear yard, covering no more than 25% of it.
    § 22.12.265 · code text
    A minimum setback of 5 feet shall be maintained from the rear and interior side property lines that are adjacent to the otherwise required minimum rear yard.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

City rule: accessory structures are limited to 1 story or 15 ft (higher with a use permit) and 1,000 sq ft each.

General information, not legal advice.

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

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Martinez Municipal Code — full text