Santa Cruz County, CA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Santa Cruz County's published Storage Sheds guidance, based on County Code Section 13.10.611, lets property owners in unincorporated areas build a detached storage shed without a building permit when every one of the following criteria is met: the structure does not exceed 120 square feet; it is no more than one story or 10 feet in height measured to the top of the roof sheathing; it is not used or rented as a dwelling or habitable space; it contains no electricity or plumbing; it is unheated and not air-conditioned; it has no bathroom (toilet, sink, tub, or shower); it has no kitchen or food-prep facilities; it has no separate utility meter; it is detached from other structures; and it is not located in a riparian corridor, floodplain, or sensitive habitat. A qualifying shed located entirely within the required rear yard may be set back as little as 3 feet from the side and rear property lines. Once a shed exceeds 120 sq ft or 10 feet in height, or includes electrical or plumbing service, it requires a building permit and must meet the standard setback and height requirements for the zone district. Even permit-exempt sheds must still comply with zoning standards such as setbacks and applicable Coastal Zone rules. Limited plumbing and 100A/220V electrical service can be allowed in larger non-habitable accessory structures with appropriate permits.