San Bernardino County, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in San Bernardino 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.
Key Facts
- Permit-free size
- Shed under 120 sq ft
- Absolute size cap
- 1,000 sq ft per shed
- One-acre-or-less parcels
- Only 1 shed over 120 sq ft
- Governing sections
- §§ 82.02.040(b)(5), 84.01.050(e)
- Building/safety infraction fine
- Up to $1,000 per violation
Summary
One pre-manufactured storage shed per lot is exempt from a Building Permit and a planning permit, but parcels one acre or smaller get only one detached shed over 120 square feet, and no shed may top 1,000 square feet.
(e) Detached Storage Structures. Parcels that are one acre or less in size shall be limited to only one detached storage structure that exceeds 120 square feet and the storage structure shall not exceed 1,000 square feet. Except in the Mountain Region, detached storage structures shall not extend in front of the primary structure where the primary structure faces a right-of-way.
Full Breakdown
County Code § 82.02.040(b)(5) exempts a single portable or pre-manufactured storage shed per lot from planning permit review when it also qualifies for the Building Permit exemption under the County Code and California Building Code. § 84.01.050(e) then caps residential accessory sheds: parcels of one acre or less may have only one detached storage structure exceeding 120 square feet, and no detached storage structure may exceed 1,000 square feet. Sheds still must meet the setbacks in § 83.02.070 and, outside the Mountain Region, cannot extend in front of the primary dwelling where it faces a street.
Violations & Fines
Building an oversized or improperly sited shed is a Development Code violation. Under § 11.0206, building and safety infractions carry a base fine up to $100 for a first offense, $500 for a second within a year, and $1,000 for each additional violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small shed in San Bernardino County?
Can I put up more than one shed?
Where on my lot can a shed go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
How San Bernardino County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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