Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Napa

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

What Napa's code says

Napa code What Napa's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 15 feet. Applies: Accessory structures in residential districts, not dwelling units, fences or signs. § 17.52.020 · code text No accessory structure shall exceed 15 feet in height. Up to 18 feet. Applies: Only if the Community Development Director grants an exception. § 17.52.020 · code text the Community Development Director may grant an exception for an increase in height for an accessory structure up to 18 feet Up to the height limit for the main home in the zoning district. Applies: Only with a use permit approved by the Planning Commission. § 17.52.020 · code text added height up to the limit allowed for the principal dwelling unit within the underlying zoning district may be granted with a use permit approved by the Planning Commission
Size or lot coverage	Floor area of each structure no more than 50% of the side yard area. Applies: Accessory structures placed in a side yard. § 17.52.020 · code text The floor area of each accessory structure placed in a side yard shall not exceed 50% of the area of the side yard. Floor area of each structure no more than 50% of the rear yard area. Applies: Accessory structures placed in a rear yard. § 17.52.020 · code text The floor area of each accessory structure placed in a rear yard shall not exceed 50% of the area of the rear yard.
Side and rear setback	At least 3 feet from the adjacent interior side lot line. Applies: Each accessory structure. § 17.52.020 · code text Each accessory structure must be set back no less than three feet from the adjacent interior side lot line At least 3 feet from the rear lot line. Applies: Each accessory structure. § 17.52.020 · code text and no less than three feet from the rear lot line.
Distance from the house	At least 6 feet from the nearest wall of the main home. § 17.52.020 · code text Each accessory structure must be placed at least six feet from the nearest wall of the principal dwelling unit for structure separation, maintenance and to ensure accessible access.

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Frequently asked questions

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

City rule: residential accessory structures are limited to 15 ft, or 18 ft by director exception, and 50% of the side or rear yard.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Napa

Key points

What Napa's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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