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

Section 7-9-116 of the Orange County Codified Ordinances (Title 7, Division 9, Article 2 - Comprehensive Zoning Code) governs accessory uses and structures in all unincorporated districts, planned communities, and specific plan areas, unless otherwise specified. Section 7-9-116.1(h)(1) creates a specific exemption for one small detached non-habitable accessory structure for every 7,200 square feet of building site area, that contains less than 120 square feet of fully enclosed floor area, is located at least 3 feet away from the rear and side property line, is placed at least 6 feet away from another building or structure on the same property, and where no portion of the structure is greater than 8 feet in height. Such a structure is exempt from the accessory-structure requirements of Section 7-9-116.1, and only one of these structures may be excluded when calculating site coverage. Section 7-9-116.1(h)(1) further provides that any additional non-habitable accessory structure up to 120 square feet will require a Zoning Land Use Certificate. The exempt shed cannot be located in any front yard area. Sheds that exceed 120 square feet, exceed 8 feet in height, or are placed within 3 feet of a side or rear property line fall outside the exemption and are regulated as standard accessory structures under Section 7-9-116.1: under Section 7-9-116.1(d) detached accessory structures must be at least 3 feet from the building face of any other structure (with eaves at least 2 feet apart), are not allowed within the ultimate right-of-way, within a building-line-plan setback area, within the 3.5-foot fence/wall corner-visibility zones of Section 7-9-64, within the required front setback area (absent a Use Permit), or within the panhandle portion of a panhandle building site. Section 7-9-116.1(e) limits accessory structures within required setbacks to 12 feet in height, dropping to 8 feet if within 3 feet of a property line; the height limit may be increased to the maximum allowed in Section 7-9-24.10 only with a Use Permit approved by the Zoning Administrator. Section 7-9-116.1(f) limits enclosed accessory structures to 0% of the front setback (subject to Section 7-9-116.1(g)), 25% of the rear setback, and 25% of the side setback, with unenclosed structures allowed up to 50% in rear and side setbacks. The California Building Code as adopted under Title 7 of the Codified Ordinances exempts one-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds with floor areas under 120 square feet from a building permit (CBC Section 105.2), but a Zoning Land Use Certificate from OC Public Works Development Services may still be required for additional small sheds, and electrical/plumbing tie-ins always require permits. Sheds in special wildfire, flood, or coastal-zone overlays under Title 7 may carry additional construction or siting requirements.