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

Inyo County does not publish a single freestanding 'shed ordinance.' Detached accessory structures such as storage sheds are regulated through the zoning district standards in Title 18 (Zoning) and the building code in Title 14 (Building Regulations). Each residential and rural zone - for example RR (Rural Residential, Chapter 18.21), R-1 One-Family Residences (Chapter 18.30), and OS Open Space (Chapter 18.12) - sets its own setback, height, and lot-coverage rules that apply to accessory buildings. Inyo County's zoning code also includes a separate 10-foot minimum separation requirement between detached structures, referenced in its ADU standards. Whether a building permit is required depends on the structure's size and use under the adopted California Building Code in Title 14; small sheds below the state exemption threshold may not need a building permit but must still meet zoning setbacks. Because Inyo County is large and rural, with many distinct zoning districts, the precise setback and size limits for a shed depend on the specific zone of the parcel. Property owners should confirm requirements with the Inyo County Planning Department (760-878-0263) before building. Verbatim section text for accessory-structure limits is maintained in the County's eCode360/qcode codification of Title 18.