Tuolumne County, CA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

In unincorporated Tuolumne County, a shed is treated as an accessory structure subject to the County's Title 17 (Zoning) standards. Height regulations, including exclusions and exemptions, are dictated by Tuolumne County Ordinance Code Chapter 17.22, and building height limitations are also subject to Tuolumne County Ordinance Code Chapter 15.20.010. The maximum building height in residential zones such as R-1, R-2 and R-3 is 40 feet from grade per the County's adopted height table, with most accessory sheds far below that. Accessory structures must also comply with the spacing and setback regulations of the zoning district in which they sit, which vary by zone (the agricultural and residential districts each carry their own yard requirements). Because Tuolumne County is largely rural and mountainous, many parcels also fall within fire-hazard areas and combining districts (for example Airport Combining Districts governed by Chapter 17.20.050), which can add siting requirements. A small storage shed under the size threshold in the California Building Code may not need a building permit, but exemption from a building permit does not exempt the structure from zoning setbacks, and structures placed within a setback may trigger building-code provisions such as fire-rated construction. Always verify the parcel's zoning district setbacks with the Community Development Department before placing a shed, and check whether the property lies in a special combining district.