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Rohnert Park · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Rohnert Park

Detached accessory structures, other than accessory dwelling units, may cover at most 10% of the rear yard (city rule).

Ask about sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Rohnert Park See coverage

Key points

  • Yard coverage: Detached accessory structures, other than accessory dwelling units, may cover at most 10% of the rear yard (city rule).

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

What Rohnert Park's code says

Rohnert Park code What Rohnert Park's code adds
Size or lot coverage
  • No more than 10% of the rear yard area.
    Applies: Detached accessory structures other than accessory dwelling units; they must be behind the front of the house.
    § 17.10.060 · code text
    Detached accessory structures (i.e. structures separated from the main structure by five feet or more) shall be located behind the front elevation of the main structure and shall cover no more than ten percent of the rear yard area (unless an accessory dwelling unit), with total lot coverage for all structures on-site not to exceed that listed in Section 17.10.020 for the applicable zoning district.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines.
    Applies: Carports.
    § 17.10.060 · code text
    The minimum side and rear yard setback for carports is five feet and for all other accessory structures the setback is three feet.
  • At least 3 feet from side and rear lot lines.
    Applies: All other accessory structures.
    § 17.10.060 · code text
    The minimum side and rear yard setback for carports is five feet and for all other accessory structures the setback is three feet.
No permit needed up to
  • No building permit is needed for 128 square feet or less.
    Applies: Detached structures no taller than 12 feet, not for living in, and with no utilities.
    § 17.10.060 · code text
    Building permits are not required for detached accessory structures that are one hundred twenty-eight square feet or less in size, that are no greater than twelve feet in height, that are not habitable, and that do not require utilities.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Rohnert Park?

Detached accessory structures, other than accessory dwelling units, may cover at most 10% of the rear yard (city rule).

General information, not legal advice.

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Rohnert Park Municipal Code — full text