Shed permit rules in Santa Monica, CA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Santa Monica regulates accessory buildings under SMMC §9.21.020. Sheds and similar structures in residential zones must comply with setback and height requirements. Sheds may not contain a kitchen unless approved as an ADU.
Under SMMC §9.21.020, accessory buildings on parcels with single-unit or multi-unit dwellings may only be used as a dwelling if compliant with ADU requirements (§9.31.025). Accessory buildings may not contain a kitchen unless permitted as an ADU. Exterior freestanding walls not over 4 feet and fences not over 7 feet are exempt from building permits. Accessory structures in residential districts include unenclosed carports, gazebos, cabanas, air conditioners, pool equipment, barbecues, fountains, fire pits, above-ground pools and spas. ADU standards (§9.31.025) are separate from general accessory building standards (§9.21.020) to avoid conflicts.
Unpermitted accessory buildings or structures used as dwellings without ADU approval are code violations subject to enforcement action and fines.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle shed rules.
See how Santa Monica's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.