Shed permit rules in Berkeley, 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 under 120 sq ft and 12 ft tall are permit-exempt in Berkeley. Larger structures need permits, fire zone sheds must meet WUI standards, and setbacks apply to all sheds.
Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 19.28 and the California Building Code exempt one-story detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds from building permits if they are under 120 square feet in floor area, no taller than 12 feet, and contain no plumbing or electrical beyond a simple extension. Sheds must still comply with zoning setbacks under BMC Chapter 23.304: typically 4 feet from rear and side property lines and not located in required front yards. Sheds over 120 square feet, any plumbing, fixed electrical, or height above 12 feet trigger building permits. In the VHFHSZ, any accessory structure must meet Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Chapter 7A ember-resistant construction standards regardless of size - no exemption for small sheds. Sheds cannot be used as dwelling units (that requires an ADU permit under 23.304.160). Maximum lot coverage limits apply. Contact Permit Service Center at (510) 981-7500 or the zoning counter for site-specific review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
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