Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in San Rafael

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

What San Rafael's code says

San Rafael code What San Rafael's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 15 feet high, unless allowed through design review. Applies: Residential accessory structures. § 14.16.020 · code text The height of an accessory structure shall not exceed a height of fifteen feet (15′) except as permitted through design review.
Size or lot coverage	No more than 30% of the required side or rear yard areas. Applies: Residential accessory structures. § 14.16.020 · code text residential accessory structures shall not exceed a maximum of thirty percent (30%) of the required side or rear yard areas.
Side and rear setback	0 feet. Applies: Unconditioned structures up to 120 square feet and 8 feet high, in residential side and rear yards. Building code limits and 3-foot walkway apply. § 14.16.020 · code text Accessory structures, unconditioned (e.g., not intended for human occupancy) with a maximum floor area of one hundred twenty (120) square feet and up to eight feet (8′) in height measured from grade to roof peak; May be within 3 feet of the rear and interior side property lines. Applies: Accessory structures over 120 square feet and up to 15 feet high, in residential districts. § 14.16.020 · code text The following accessory structures may be located within three feet (3′) of the rear and interior side yard property line: At least 3 feet or half the pool depth, whichever is greater. Applies: Pools and in-ground spas, from the property line. § 14.16.020 · code text A setback of at least three feet (3′) or a distance equal to one-half (½) the depth of the pool, whichever is greater, shall be provided from the property line.
Distance from the house	At least 3 feet of clear walkway. Applies: Between above-grade accessory structures at a 0-foot side or rear setback and nearby buildings or the property line. § 14.16.020 · code text provision of an unobstructed walkway clearance of at least three feet (3′) between above-grade accessory structures and adjacent buildings or the property line in order to provide access around the primary building:

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How big can a shed or accessory building be in San Rafael?

Residential accessory structures are limited to 15 feet, except through design review, and 30% of the required side or rear yard areas.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in San Rafael

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What San Rafael's code says

Who this affects

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