Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Richmond

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

What Richmond's code says

Richmond code What Richmond's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 14 feet high. Applies: Applies in residential districts. § 15.04.601.010 · code text In residential districts, the maximum allowable height for accessory structures shall be 14 feet.
Size or lot coverage	Accessory structures may be no wider than 80% of the rear yard's average width. § 15.04.601.010 · code text The width of accessory structures shall not exceed 80 percent of the average width of the rear yard. May cover no more than 50% of the required rear yard setback area. Applies: Applies to structures open on 3 sides, like covered patios, gazebos or pergolas, in the required rear yard. § 15.04.601.010 · code text Accessory structures, such as covered patios, gazebos, or pergolas, that are open on three sides, may encroach into a required rear yard as long as such encroachment does not exceed 50 percent of the area of the required rear yard setback.
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from property lines and public rights-of-way. Applies: May be on a side or rear line if nothing over 9½ feet tall is in the setback; not with ADUs. § 15.04.601.010 · code text An accessory structure shall be no closer than five feet to a main building or less than five feet from any public right-of-way and property line.
Distance from the house	At least 5 feet from the main building. Applies: Detached accessory structures; may be zero on lots sloping 25% or more under the front-yard exception. § 15.04.601.010 · code text An accessory structure shall be no closer than five feet to a main building or less than five feet from any public right-of-way and property line. Separation from the main building may be zero. Applies: Residential lots sloping 25% or more; structure in the front yard with every part at least 5 feet from the front line. § 15.04.601.010 · code text When located on a lot having a slope of 25 percent or more, an accessory structure may be located in the required front yard, provided every portion is located at least five feet from the front line, and the distance between it and the main building may be reduced to zero;

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

Residential accessory structures are limited to 14 feet and set back 5 feet from property lines, unless at most 9½ feet within the setback.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Richmond

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What Richmond's code says

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