Los Angeles, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Los Angeles, 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
- Governing sections
- LAMC §§ 91.106.1.1, 91.106.2
- Shed size exemption
- None: no square-footage carve-out
- Only exempt shed type
- Temporary construction-site sheds
- Permitting agency
- LA Dept. of Building and Safety
- Fee basis
- Construction valuation, Table No. 1-A
Summary
Los Angeles has no size exemption for backyard storage sheds. LAMC § 91.106.1.1 requires a building permit before anyone erects, constructs or alters any structure, and the only shed-specific carve-out in § 91.106.2 covers temporary construction-site sheds, not the tool or storage shed homeowners put in a yard.
No person shall erect, construct, alter, repair, demolish, remove or move any building or structure... unless said person has obtained a permit therefor from the department. ... Permit not required for: ... 2. Construction sheds, state approved construction trailers without toilet facilities and sidewalk protection barriers and canopies built pursuant to Division 33, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC.
Full Breakdown
2 does not mention backyard, storage, tool or garden sheds at all. Item 2 of that list exempts only "Construction sheds, state approved construction trailers without toilet facilities and sidewalk protection barriers and canopies built pursuant to Division 33, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC", meaning the exemption is limited to temporary sheds used to secure tools and materials on an active construction site, not permanent accessory structures. " In practice, a homeowner installing even a small prefabricated storage shed in a Los Angeles backyard must file a building permit application with the Department of Building and Safety, pay the applicable fee based on the shed's construction valuation under Table No.
1-A, and pass any required inspections before use. 2, items like platforms under 30 inches high or temporary tents under 12 feet for 30 days or less, none of which describe a typical yard shed.
Violations & Fines
Building a shed without the required permit exposes the owner to LADBS stop-work orders, after-the-fact permit fees assessed at a penalty rate, and potential Building Code violation citations under § 91.103.2 for knowingly working without a permit. An unpermitted shed can also complicate a home sale, since it won't appear on record with the Department of Building and Safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed in Los Angeles?
What is the only shed exception under LA's building code?
What happens if I install a shed in LA without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
How Los Angeles compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle shed & carport rules.