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How Far Should a Shed Be From the Property Line? Setback Examples
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Three places compared
| Place | Rear and side | Front | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hopkins, MN | 3 feet from rear and side property lines. If closer than 5 feet from a property line, contact Inspections for construction requirements. | In most cases cannot be in the front yard. | Cannot be in an easement. Maximum height 15 feet. Must be anchored at all corners. |
| San Luis Obispo County, CA (unincorporated) | Typical: 3 feet from rear and interior side lines (shed 120 square feet or less and 12 feet or less tall). | Typical: 25 feet from the front property line or road easement. | Typical street side on a corner lot: 10 feet if under 1 net acre, 30 feet if 1 net acre or larger. The county says to confirm for your property. |
| Sherwood, OR | At least 3 feet from rear or side line for detached structures of 100 to 200 square feet under 10 feet tall. | No accessory structure over 3 feet tall in a front yard. | Accessory structures cannot exceed 15 feet. |
Sources: city and county pages listed below. Sherwood's page is dated July 16, 2025; the others show no date.
This Old House gives one more rule of thumb for picking a site: level, not collecting water, and at least 3 feet from fences or structures. Seattle says building, land use and other codes apply whether or not you need a permit.
Steps
- Look up your lot lines on your survey or plat. Do not guess from a fence line.
- Ask your town for the accessory structure setbacks, the height limit and whether the lot has any easements.
- Call 811 before you dig (our note).
- Mark the corners with stakes and string and measure to each line before you pour or set anything.
- Check HOA rules if you have an HOA.
Not sure if you need a permit? See how big a shed can be without one and our permit guide.
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How far does a shed have to be from the property line?
It depends on your town. Hopkins, Minnesota says 3 feet from rear and side property lines. San Luis Obispo County, California lists typical setbacks of 3 feet from rear and interior side lines for a shed of 120 square feet or less and 12 feet or less in height. Sherwood, Oregon says at least 3 feet for detached structures of 100 to 200 square feet under 10 feet tall.
Can a shed go in the front yard?
Usually not. Hopkins says that in most cases an accessory structure cannot be in the front yard. Sherwood says no accessory structure over 3 feet in height is permitted in a front yard. San Luis Obispo County lists a typical front setback of 25 feet.
Can I build a shed on an easement?
Hopkins says accessory structures cannot be in an easement. Ask your building department and call 811 before you dig.
What about a corner lot?
San Luis Obispo County lists a typical street-side setback of 10 feet for a property under 1 net acre and 30 feet for 1 net acre or larger. It describes all of these as typical values to confirm for your property.
Does a shed that needs no permit still need setbacks?
Often yes. Sherwood's 3 foot setback applies to detached structures in the 100 to 200 square foot range, and Hopkins applies its setbacks to all accessory structures. Seattle says land use and other codes apply whether or not you need a permit.
Related guides
Free printable: Shed Build Checklist
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