Whittier, CA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Sheds and detached accessory buildings in the incorporated City of Whittier are regulated by the city's zoning code, Whittier Municipal Code Section 18.10.030 (Limitations on Use), plus the city's building-permit thresholds, separate from Los Angeles County. Per the city's Building & Safety guidance, a building permit is not required for one-story, detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar buildings, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet; however, the location must still be reviewed by the Planning Division before placement. Zoning placement rules in Section 18.10.030(C): no building may sit in a required yard area except as expressly allowed, and the distance between buildings must be at least five feet. Detached non-dwelling accessory buildings (not accessory living areas), when located entirely in the rear one-third of the lot and where eaves do not project over a property line and there is no roof drainage onto adjacent property, may be built to the side and rear lot lines on interior lots (with variations for corner, reversed-corner, and alley-served lots). On lots served by an alley, no such building may be within five feet of the rear lot line or within five feet of one side lot line. On R-E (estate) zoned lots, accessory buildings in the rear one-third may be no closer than five feet to a side lot line nor ten feet to a rear lot line. Critically, Section 18.10.030(C)(3)(f) states structures less than 120 square feet (i.e., storage sheds) shall not exceed 12 feet in height. These are city ordinances; unincorporated South, West and East Whittier follow LA County rules instead.