Shed permit rules in Alameda 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.
Unincorporated Alameda County regulates sheds under Title 17 Section 17.52.260: a detached accessory building in any R district must be one story, no taller than 15 feet, and at least 6 feet from any other building on the lot. Title 15 adopts the California Residential Code; sheds 120 sq ft or less are generally permit-exempt under CRC R105.2.
Alameda County Code Section 17.52.260 limits a detached accessory building in any R district to one story, 15 feet maximum height, and at least 6 feet from any other building on the lot. The shed must also meet the side, rear, and front yard setbacks of the underlying R district under Title 17. Title 15 Chapter 15.08 adopts the California Building and Residential Codes. Under 2022 CRC R105.2 a one-story detached storage shed 120 square feet or less is generally exempt from a building permit, but Section 17.52.260 zoning rules still apply, and any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work needs a permit. Sheds in flood, very high fire severity, or hillside areas may need extra review. Confirm thresholds with Alameda County Planning at (510) 670-5400.
A shed taller than 15 feet, closer than 6 feet to another building, or in a required yard violates Section 17.52.260 and is enforceable through county zoning. Permit-required work without a Title 15 permit is enforceable through Building Inspection.
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See how Alameda County's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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