Contra Costa County, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Contra Costa 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
- 120 sq ft floor area
- Code Section
- Ordinance § 72-6.202
- Applicable Code
- 2022 California Residential Code
- Setbacks
- Sheds not allowed in required setbacks
- Utilities
- Permit required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical
Summary
In unincorporated Contra Costa County, one-story detached accessory structures (sheds) with a floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft do not require a building permit, but they must still comply with zoning setbacks and may need planning, sanitary, or environmental health approval.
Per Contra Costa County Ordinance 72-6.202: No person, firm, or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure regulated by this title... without first obtaining the necessary permits from the county building official. According to the 2022 California Residential Code (CRC), permits shall not be required for the following: 1. One-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
Full Breakdown
Per Contra Costa County Ordinance Code § 72-6.202, no person may erect, construct, enlarge, alter, or move any building or structure regulated by Title 7 without first obtaining the necessary permits from the county building official. The County applies the 2022 California Residential Code (CRC) exemptions to this requirement: one-story detached accessory structures are exempt from a building permit when the floor area does not exceed 120 sq ft. Even when exempt from a building permit, sheds and playhouses cannot be located within required property setbacks (open space around the perimeter of the property), and approval may be required from the Planning Division, the local Sanitary District, or Contra Costa Environmental Health depending on the structure's location. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work to bring utilities such as electricity or water to the shed always requires a permit, as does enclosing mechanical equipment such as a well or pool pump.
Violations & Fines
Constructing an accessory structure larger than 120 sq ft without a building permit, or placing any shed within a required setback, is a violation of the County Ordinance Code subject to stop-work orders, penalties under § 72-6.202, and possible administrative fines or required removal of the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit for a backyard shed?
Can I put a shed in the side yard against the fence?
What about fences and retaining walls around the shed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
How Contra Costa County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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