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Rancho Palos Verdes · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Rancho Palos Verdes

Accessory structures are limited to 12 feet; detached garages, chimneys, treehouses and flagpoles may be exempt if they do not significantly block views.

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Key points

  • Accessory height: Accessory structures are limited to 12 feet; detached garages, chimneys, treehouses and flagpoles may be exempt if they do not significantly block views.

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

What Rancho Palos Verdes's code says

Rancho Palos Verdes code What Rancho Palos Verdes's code adds
Maximum height
  • Accessory structures may be no more than 12 feet tall, measured from the lowest grade to the ridge.
    § 17.49.050 · code text
    Such accessory structures shall be limited to 12 feet in height, as measured from the lowest preconstruction grade adjacent to the foundation wall to the ridge.
  • The 12-foot height limit may be waived.
    Applies: Detached garages, stand-alone chimneys, treehouses or flagpoles, if the director finds no significant impact on views from neighboring properties.
    § 17.49.050 · code text
    Upon a finding by the director that a detached garage, stand-alone chimney, treehouse, or a flagpole will have no significant impact on views from adjacent properties, the garage, standalone chimney, treehouse, or flagpole may be exempted from the 12-foot height limitation
Size or lot coverage
  • Storage sheds under 120 square feet may be allowed.
    Applies: In the Coastal Structure Setback Zone only, with a coastal permit. Other new permanent structures are not allowed in that zone.
    § 17.72.040 · code text
    Minor structures and equipment, such as trash enclosures, storage sheds of less than 120 square feet, doghouses, enclosed water heaters, barbecues, garden walls, air conditioners, pool filters, vents and other minor structures and/or equipment may be allowed.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Rancho Palos Verdes?

Accessory structures are limited to 12 feet; detached garages, chimneys, treehouses and flagpoles may be exempt if they do not significantly block views.

General information, not legal advice.

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Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — full text