Santa Maria, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Santa Maria, 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-exempt max size
- 120 sq ft
- Permit-exempt max height
- 8 ft above grade (7 ft ceiling)
- Min separation from buildings
- 5 ft from any other building
- Location
- Behind front wall of dwelling, screened by 6-ft fence/wall
- Max exempt sheds per parcel
- 2
Summary
Detached tool and storage sheds up to 120 square feet, 8 feet tall, and at least 5 feet from any other building are exempt from building permits but must sit behind the front wall of the dwelling and be screened by a 6-foot fence or wall.
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds may be constructed without a building permit provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, the maximum height above adjacent grade does not exceed 8 feet, and the building is located at least 5 feet from any other building on the site.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4818069; v9 updated 2026-04-07).
Full Breakdown
Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 9-08 (Residential Code) and Chapter 9-04 (Building Code) adopt the California Residential and Building Codes with local amendments allowing one-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds to be constructed without a building permit if they meet all of the following: floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, maximum height above adjacent grade does not exceed 8 feet, maximum ceiling height does not exceed 7 feet, length-to-width ratio does not exceed 2:1, location is at least 5 feet from any other building on the site, no electrical/plumbing/mechanical installations, and the shed is located behind the front wall of the dwelling and screened by a 6-foot fence or wall.
Per Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 12-27 (Accessory Structures) and zoning code provisions, even permit-exempt sheds must still comply with the underlying zone's setback requirements; detached accessory structures must stand at least 5 feet from any dwelling on the lot, and any accessory structure attached to the main building must comply in all respects with main-building setbacks. A maximum of two exempt accessory buildings is allowed per parcel.
Violations & Fines
Sheds exceeding 120 sq ft or 8 ft in height require a building permit; structures built without required permits or in violation of setbacks are subject to code enforcement under Santa Maria's nuisance abatement procedures and may have to be removed or relocated at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed in Santa Maria?
Can my shed sit on the property line?
How many permit-exempt sheds can I have?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Maria
How Santa Maria compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Maria to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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