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

In the unincorporated areas of Kings County, detached accessory buildings such as storage sheds are subject to two layers of rules: the zoning standards in the county Development Code (setbacks, lot coverage, and height for the applicable agricultural or residential district) and the building-permit requirements in the Kings County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5 (Buildings and Structures), which adopts the California Building Code. The county's published Shade Cloth Structure Guide confirms how the Building Official applies California Building Code Section 105.2 permit exemptions: a shade cloth structure for nursery or agricultural use can be built without a building permit when it is open on all sides, temporary and readily removable, has no permanent foundation, uses light-frame tubing not over 2 inches in diameter, does not exceed 12,000 square feet, stays under 12 feet in height, and includes no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems; for residential accessory use the same guide limits the exempt area to 120 square feet. A permit exemption does not waive zoning setbacks. Because exact shed setbacks and coverage limits depend on the parcel's zoning district in the Development Code, confirm requirements with the Kings County Community Development Agency before building.