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

Sierra County Code 12.04.030 lists structures exempt from a building permit, in addition to those exempted by the California Residential Code (R105.2) and California Building Code (105.2). Under subsection D, one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, wood sheds, playhouses, garden sheds and similar uses are exempt provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and there is no electrical or plumbing service to the structure (Ord. 1038, eff. 4/5/12). Importantly, even a permit-exempt shed must comply with county zoning standards, the floodplain management code, and wildfire exterior-exposure construction requirements (CBC Chapter 7A / CRC R327). That means sheds must still meet the setbacks and height limits of the parcel's zoning district. For example, in the RR-1 rural residential district (SCC 15.12.190), accessory structures customarily appurtenant to residential use are permitted, structures may not exceed two stories or 35 feet in height, and yards must provide a 15-foot side setback and a 30-foot rear setback (30 feet on all property lines for corner lots). Sheds over 120 square feet, or any shed with electrical or plumbing, require a building permit in addition to meeting zoning standards. Larger thresholds apply in floodplains, where accessory structures are limited to 1,000 square feet (barns excepted in the agriculture zone).