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

Placer County Building Services administers shed and accessory-building requirements for unincorporated areas. A one-story detached accessory building used as a tool and storage shed, playhouse or similar use is exempt from a building permit provided its floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, consistent with the California Building Code exemption Placer County has adopted. Sheds larger than 120 square feet require a building permit. The permit exemption applies only to the structure itself: any electrical, mechanical or plumbing work installed in or serving the shed requires a separate permit regardless of size. Even a permit-exempt shed must still comply with the zoning setback requirements established by the Placer County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 17); the Planning Division determines the allowable setbacks from property lines for each parcel based on its zone district. Detached accessory structures qualifying for the storage-shed permit exemption are generally held to a height limit when measured in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. Placer County Building Services advises confirming setbacks with Planning before placing any structure, since the Fire Department and Building Division may impose conditions in certain zones, high-fire areas or the Tahoe Basin. Property owners should contact CDRA Planning (Auburn 530-745-3000; Tahoe 530-581-6200) to verify the exact setback and height for their parcel before building.