Yolo County, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Yolo 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.
Key Facts
- Permit threshold
- Required if shed exceeds 120 sq ft or has water/sewer/electrical (Sec. 8-2.506(a)(2))
- Setback (small unserviced sheds)
- May locate in side and rear yard setback areas
- Setback (permitted sheds)
- At least 3 ft from side property line with fire-retardant materials
- Separation from house
- 10 ft from principal structure
- Storage container limit
- Up to 2 in RR-5/RR-2 by right; not allowed in R-L, R-M, R-H
- Sequence rule
- Cannot erect or use accessory structure before principal house is built/occupied (except Agricultural zones)
Summary
Sheds and storage buildings 120 sq ft or smaller without water, sewer, or electrical service need no building permit and may sit in side and rear yard setback areas; larger sheds need a permit and at least a 3-foot side/rear setback.
(a) Accessory Structures. (1) All habitable accessory structures require issuance of a Building Permit. Certified manufactured homes attached to a foundation system that meets CHSC standards shall be considered a permanent residence. See section 8-2.506(b) for Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. (2) Accessory non-dwelling structures require issuance of a Building Permit if over 120 square feet in size or if the structure has water, wastewater, or electrical service. (3) The following setback requirements shall apply for detached accessory non-dwelling structures: (i) Building separation. Detached accessory structures subject to a Building Permit shall be separated from principal structures and other detached accessory structures subject to a Building Permit by a minimum of ten feet or the minimum distance specified by applicable building or fire codes. (ii) Front yard: Accessory non-dwelling structures subject to a Building Permit shall comply with the front yard setback regulations for principal uses as set forth in the applicable regulations for each zone district. (iii) Corner lot setbacks: Accessory non-housing structures on a corner lot shall be located no closer to the street right-of-way than the principal structure on the lot. (iv) Side and Rear yards: Those accessory structures not requiring a Building Permit, such as a storage shed of less than 120 square feet, may be allowed to locate in the side and/or rear yard setback areas. Accessory non-dwelling structures requiring a Building Permit may be within the required side and/or rear yard, but at least three feet from the side property lines if Building Code standards (such as use of improved fire retardant materials) are met. (4) Except in the Agricultural (A) Zones, accessory structures subject to a Building Permit shall not be erected on a lot until construction of the principal structure has started, and an accessory structure shall not be used unless the principal structure has received a certificate of occupancy.
Full Breakdown
506(a) ('Accessory Structures'), an accessory non-dwelling structure such as a storage shed requires a building permit only if it exceeds 120 square feet or has water, wastewater, or electrical service. Smaller, unserviced sheds may locate within side and rear yard setback areas without a permit. Sheds that do require a permit must observe the principal building's front-yard setback (per the zone), must be separated from principal structures and other permitted accessory structures by at least 10 feet (or the minimum distance set by building or fire code), and may encroach into the required side or rear yard but must stay at least 3 feet from the side property line when Building Code fire-retardant standards are met.
On corner lots, accessory non-housing structures may not sit closer to the street right-of-way than the principal structure. 504(b)). Except in Agricultural zones, an accessory structure subject to a building permit may not be erected on a lot until construction of the principal structure has started, and it may not be used until the principal structure has a certificate of occupancy.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining a shed in violation of Title 8 setback, permit, or use rules is a zoning violation subject to County Code Enforcement under the Yolo County Code, including notices of violation, administrative citations, and abatement actions. Sheds erected without a required building permit may also be cited under the California Building Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed in unincorporated Yolo County?
Can I put my shed right against the back fence?
How far must my shed sit from the house?
Can I keep a shipping container on my rural property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yolo County
How Yolo County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare Yolo County to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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