San Luis Obispo County, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in San Luis Obispo County, 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
- Permit Exemption
- 120 sq ft max floor area
- Front Setback
- 25 ft (typical)
- Rear/Side Setback
- 3 ft (typical)
- Max Height
- 12 ft in rear setback
- Code Section
- Title 22, § 22.10.140
- Electrical/Plumbing
- Permit always required
Summary
Unincorporated San Luis Obispo County exempts one-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds or playhouses from building permits when the floor area does not exceed 120 sq ft, but they must still meet zoning setbacks: 3 ft from rear/interior side lines and 25 ft from the front property line.
A one story detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet... Typically the setbacks for a 120 square foot shed, that is 12 feet or less in height, are 25 feet from the front property line, or road easement, and 3 feet from the rear and interior side property lines.
Full Breakdown
' A building permit IS required if the shed proposes electrical or plumbing, exceeds 120 sq ft (measured exterior wall to exterior wall), or is located in the Coastal Zone. 140 (Setbacks). For a 120 sq ft shed 12 feet or less in height, typical setbacks are 25 feet from the front property line or road easement and 3 feet from the rear and interior side property lines. Corner lots require 10 feet from the street side (under 1 net acre) or 30 feet (1+ net acres).
140 also permits an accessory building or structure no greater than 12 feet in height to be placed in a residential rear setback, provided it is not used for human habitation or the keeping of animals and is located no closer than three feet to a rear property line or alley.
Violations & Fines
Constructing a shed larger than 120 sq ft without a building permit, adding electrical or plumbing without permits, or placing a shed within a required setback is a violation of Title 22 and the County building code. Enforcement may include stop-work orders, administrative fines, after-the-fact permitting, or required removal of the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed?
How close to my back fence can I put a shed?
What if I want power or water to my shed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Luis Obispo County
How San Luis Obispo County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare San Luis Obispo County to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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