Shed permit rules in Castro Valley, 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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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle shed rules.
See how Castro Valley's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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