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

Q: Do I need a permit for a shed in unincorporated Solano County?

No, if it is a one-story detached storage shed or playhouse with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft and no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical service. Larger sheds or any shed with utilities require a building permit.

Q: How far does a shed have to be from the property line?

Under §28.72.30(B)(1), a detached accessory building must be at least 60 feet from the front property line and at least 10 feet from the main dwelling (30 feet in the W district). Side- and rear-yard setbacks can be reduced if no neighbor objects in writing.

Q: Can I put a shed in my front yard?

Generally no. §28.72.30(B)(1)(b) requires a detached accessory building to be at least 60 feet from the front property line, and on shallow lots (less than 120 feet deep) it must be located on the rear 50 percent of the lot.

Few Restrictions

Shed permit rules in Solano 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.

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Key Facts

Permit-Free Limit: 120 sq ft, no utilities, one story
Front Setback: 60 ft (or rear 50% on lots <120 ft deep)
Distance From Main Dwelling: 10 ft (30 ft in W district)
Zoning Section: Solano County Code §28.72.30(B)(1)
Side/Rear Setback Waiver

City-specific rules exist: Vallejo, Fairfield, and Vacaville have their own shed rules rules that differ from Solano County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

In unincorporated Solano County, one-story detached sheds used for tool and storage uses, playhouses, and similar accessory purposes are exempt from building permits when the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and the structure has no utilities. Sheds over 120 sq ft, or any shed with electrical, plumbing, or mechanical service, require a building permit under Chapter 28.

Full Breakdown

The Solano County Building and Safety FAQ confirms that one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses are exempt from building permits when the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and the structure has no utilities. Even when permit-exempt, the structure must still comply with the accessory-building location and setback rules of §28.72.30(B)(1): detached accessory buildings must be set back at least 60 feet from the front property line (or, on lots less than 120 feet deep, located within the rear 50 percent of the lot); the structure must be at least 10 feet from the main dwelling (30 feet in the W district); and side- and rear-yard setbacks may be waived only with absence of a written neighbor objection (§28.72.30(B)(1)(c)). Any shed with electrical, plumbing, or mechanical service requires a building permit regardless of size.

Violations & Fines

Constructing a shed larger than 120 sq ft without a permit, or installing electrical or plumbing service in any shed without a permit, is a Building Code violation enforced by the Solano County Building and Safety Division. Locating an accessory structure inside the required front setback or too close to the main building is a Chapter 28 zoning violation that can require relocation or removal and trigger administrative citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a shed in unincorporated Solano County?

No, if it is a one-story detached storage shed or playhouse with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft and no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical service. Larger sheds or any shed with utilities require a building permit.

How far does a shed have to be from the property line?

Under §28.72.30(B)(1), a detached accessory building must be at least 60 feet from the front property line and at least 10 feet from the main dwelling (30 feet in the W district). Side- and rear-yard setbacks can be reduced if no neighbor objects in writing.

Can I put a shed in my front yard?

Generally no. §28.72.30(B)(1)(b) requires a detached accessory building to be at least 60 feet from the front property line, and on shallow lots (less than 120 feet deep) it must be located on the rear 50 percent of the lot.

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

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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