Fresno, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Fresno, 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-exempt shed size
- 120 sq ft or less, one story
- Exempt shed height
- 12 ft maximum
- Minimum setback for exempt shed
- 3 ft from property lines
- Height cap (parcels <= 10,000 sq ft)
- 12 ft
- Code Section
- FMC 15-2004
Summary
In Fresno a one-story detached tool/storage shed of 120 square feet or less, no more than 12 feet high, and at least 3 feet from property lines needs no building permit; accessory structures on residential parcels of 10,000 sq ft or less are capped at 12 feet high and must comply with Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2004.
15-2004 Accessory Buildings and Structures. A. Applicability. These provisions apply to: 1. All new structures over seven feet in height, including, but not limited to, garages, carports, porte-cocheres, sheds, workshops, gazebos, greenhouses, cabanas, trellises, play structures, aviaries, covered patios, etc. which collectively shall be referred to as Accessory Structures, that are attached or detached from and accessory to the main building on the site. D. Setbacks. 2. Single-Family Districts. b. Interior-Side and Rear Yards. Accessory Structures shall be set back from interior side and rear property lines as follows: i. If the Accessory Structure is located closer than six feet from the main building, the Accessory Structure shall be set back a minimum five feet from the property line. ii. If the Accessory Structure is located six feet away or farther from the main building, it may be located within three feet of an interior or rear property line. Said structure shall comply with the Building Code. E. Height. 1. Residential Districts. a. Parcels 10,000 square feet and less: Accessory Structures shall be no greater than 12 feet high measured from the ground level to the finished height of the structure. b. Parcels greater than 10,000 square feet: Accessory Structures located a minimum of 10 feet from all property lines may be up to 16 feet high.
Full Breakdown
The City of Fresno exempts small sheds from building permits under the California Residential Code as administered by Building and Safety Services: one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses do not require a permit if the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, height is limited to 12 feet, and the structure is located a minimum of 3 feet from adjacent property lines (and is adequately anchored against wind and earthquake forces, with pressure-treated wood where within 1 inch of soil or embedded in concrete).
Zoning placement is governed by Fresno Municipal Code (Citywide Development Code) Section 15-2004, Accessory Buildings and Structures, which applies to all new structures over 7 feet in height including sheds, garages, gazebos, greenhouses, and covered patios. In Single-Family districts a shed may not occupy a required front yard or street-side setback; if located closer than 6 feet from the main building it must be set back at least 5 feet from interior side and rear property lines, but if located 6 feet or more from the main building it may be placed within 3 feet of an interior or rear property line (and must comply with the Building Code).
On parcels 10,000 sq ft or less, accessory structures may be no greater than 12 feet high; on larger parcels, structures at least 10 feet from all property lines may reach 16 feet. Sheds exceeding 120 sq ft require a building permit.
Violations & Fines
A shed exceeding 120 sq ft without a permit, placed in a required setback, or over the height limit is a violation of FMC 15-2004 and the Building Code, enforced by Fresno Code Enforcement and Building and Safety Services. Typical resolution is a notice of violation requiring a permit, relocation, or removal; unresolved violations can lead to administrative citations and abatement at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a shed in Fresno?
How close to the fence can I put my shed?
How tall can a shed be in Fresno?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
How Fresno compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle shed & carport rules.