Setback requirements in Montgomery County, MD
Accessory structures in Montgomery County have their own setbacks, usually smaller than the house's. They change by zoning district, so look up your lot to see which table applies.
Rules last checked by a person on October 20, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with Montgomery County before you build.
Find your district
R-60 Residential, one-family detached
| Shed: Location | Rear yard only, at least 60 ft from the front line |
|---|---|
| Shed: Side setback | 5 ft |
| Shed: Rear setback | 5 ft (10 ft on a corner lot when the neighbor faces the side street) |
| Garage: Location | Rear yard only, at least 60 ft from the front line |
| Garage: Side setback | 5 ft |
| Garage: Rear setback | 5 ft (10 ft on some corner lots) |
R-90 Residential, one-family detached
| Shed: Location | Rear yard only, at least 60 ft from the front line |
|---|---|
| Shed: Side setback | 5 ft |
| Shed: Rear setback | 5 ft |
| Garage: Location | Rear yard only, at least 60 ft from the front line |
| Garage: Side setback | 5 ft |
| Garage: Rear setback | 5 ft |
Citywide placement rules
| ADU: Detached ADU setbacks | Same as an accessory structure in the zone (5 ft side and 5 ft rear in R-60 and R-90) |
|---|---|
| Fence: Corner lot | 3 ft max within 15 ft of the intersection |
| Fence: Easements | Not allowed in drainage or utility easements without the easement holder's approval |
Sources
- Montgomery County DPS, Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds in Residential Zones (rev. 7/14/2026). Checked 2026-10-19.
A building permit is required to install or construct any shed in Montgomery County... Regardless of its size, a shed must comply with the zoning ordinance for accessory structure setbacks and location.
- 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
- 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
- 2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…
- Montgomery County DPS, Permits Required / No Permits Required (2024). Checked 2026-10-19.
Retaining walls not over 48 inches in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
- Montgomery County DPS, Guidelines for Building Residential Decks (rev. 04/15/2025). Checked 2026-10-19.
A building permit is required for all decks regardless of the height above grade.
- Montgomery County DPS, Guidelines for Accessory Dwelling Units (revised October 2026; reflects ZTA 26-06, Ordinance 20-36, effective October 5, 2026). Checked 2026-10-20.
An ADU may not be greater than 75% of the size of the primary single-family detached dwelling... [An ADU] must comply with the setback, height, and building lot coverage standards applicable to an accessory structure in the underlying zone... [Within one mi…
- Montgomery County DPS, R-60 Zone Development Standards (Sec. 4.4.9, guidance). Checked 2026-10-19.
Accessory Buildings: Rear yard only... 5 ft. Side setback... 5 ft. Rear setback, if not otherwise addressed... 20 ft. maximum height... footprint must not exceed 50% of the footprint of the main building or 600 sq/ft whichever is greater.
- Montgomery County DPS, Residential Fence Permit Process. Checked 2026-10-19.
A permit is required to install any type of fence in Montgomery County... The maximum permitted height of a fence or wall is 6' 6".