Hawthorne, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Hawthorne, 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
- Accessory structures allowed
- One per lot besides a garage
- Location requirement
- Rear half of the lot
- Storage/tool shed size cap
- 120 square feet maximum
- Utilities allowed
- Electrical wiring yes, plumbing no
- Building separation minimum
- 6 feet from dwelling per § 17.20.060
- Alley setback
- 10 feet from alley center line
Summary
Hawthorne limits homeowners to one accessory structure other than a garage per lot, confined to the rear half of the property. Storage rooms and tool sheds for household items cap out at 120 square feet, may be wired for electricity, but cannot have plumbing.
A. Not more than one accessory structure other than a garage may be permitted and shall be restricted to the rear half of the lot. B. There is no minimum required distance between accessory buildings and structures, other than those specified in Section 17.20.060. C. Storage rooms and tool sheds for customary household related items shall be limited to a maximum of one hundred twenty square feet. The storage room and tool shed may be wired for electrical service but shall not have any plumbing.
Full Breakdown
160 governs backyard sheds and other accessory buildings citywide. Subsection A restricts a residential lot to one accessory structure other than a garage, and that structure must sit on the rear half of the lot, not beside or in front of the house. 21. 060. That section requires at least six feet between a building containing a dwelling unit and any other building or structure on the same lot, and at least ten feet from the center line of any alley for all buildings, structures, or fences.
A garage with a vehicular entrance off an alley must also provide a 26-foot turning radius measured from the far right-of-way line of the alley. 160 rather than any table. Property owners planning a shed larger than 120 square feet, or one intended for anything beyond basic storage, should confirm zoning classification and building permit requirements with the Building and Safety Division before construction, since exceeding the permitted footprint or adding plumbing without approval moves the structure outside the accessory-use allowance entirely.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit or exceeding the 120-square-foot storage shed limit is a code violation under Hawthorne Municipal Code Section 1.20.010, punishable as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense. The city attorney may instead charge many code violations as infractions under Section 1.22.030: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each additional violation within that year. Code enforcement officers and building and safety staff may issue citations directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can my backyard shed be in Hawthorne?
Where on my lot can I place a shed?
Do I need a permit for a shed in Hawthorne?
Can I add plumbing to my backyard shed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawthorne
How Hawthorne compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare Hawthorne to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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