Shed permit rules in Concord, 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 square feet and 12 feet tall do not require a building permit in Concord under California Residential Code R105.2. Sheds must still comply with zoning setbacks (typically 3 feet from rear/side property lines) and cannot contain plumbing or electrical without permits.
California Residential Code R105.2, adopted by Concord, exempts one-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses, greenhouses) used as tool storage from building permit requirements if they do not exceed 120 square feet in floor area. This aligns with Concord's practice that sheds under 120 square feet and 12 feet tall do not require a building permit. However, zoning rules in the Concord Development Code still apply: sheds must be located in the rear or side yard, typically set back at least 3 feet from rear and side property lines, and cannot exceed the maximum lot coverage and floor area ratio for the zoning district. Sheds in front yards are generally prohibited. If the shed includes electrical wiring, plumbing (water, sewer, or gas), or permanent foundations, separate electrical and plumbing permits are required regardless of the shed's floor area. Sheds used for habitation (sleeping, bathrooms) are not permitted as sheds; they must be built as ADUs or Junior ADUs. Sheds over 120 square feet require a full building permit with plan review, including structural calculations, wind and seismic analysis, and inspections. HOA covenants may impose additional restrictions on shed size, materials, and color.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle shed rules.
See how Concord's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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