Shed permit rules in Sacramento County, CA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Sheds and detached accessory buildings 120 sq ft or less without utilities are permit-exempt in unincorporated Sacramento County. Larger structures require a building permit and must meet setbacks.
Per California Building Code 105.2 as adopted by Sacramento County, one-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses that do not exceed 120 sq ft are exempt from building permits. However, zoning setbacks still apply: typically 5 ft side and rear, with front setbacks per the zoning district. Sheds over 120 sq ft, sheds with electrical or plumbing, and sheds attached to a dwelling require building permits. Maximum accessory structure height in most residential zones is 15 ft. Sheds may not be used as sleeping quarters. HOA approval may still be required even when a county permit is not.
Unpermitted sheds over 120 sq ft face abatement orders and permit fees including investigation fees equal to double the permit fee.
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See how Sacramento County's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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