Shed permit rules in Yolo 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.
Yolo County permits accessory structures (storage sheds, detached garages, gazebos) under the Zoning Code's residential development standards (Sec. 8-2.505) and the California Building Code (adopted in Title 7). Sheds 120 sq ft or smaller and one story are exempt from a building permit under California Building Code Sec. R105.2; larger structures require a permit. Setbacks of typically 4-5 feet from side/rear lot lines apply, and accessory structures must remain subordinate to the primary dwelling.
Accessory structures in unincorporated Yolo County are governed by two layers: zoning (Sec. 8-2.505, Table of Residential Development Requirements, and Sec. 8-2.506, Performance Standards) and building (Yolo County Code Title 7, which adopts the California Building Code and California Residential Code). Under the California Residential Code Sec. R105.2, a one-story detached accessory structure that does not exceed 120 square feet of floor area and is not used for habitation is exempt from a building permit. Sheds larger than 120 sq ft, or those connected to electrical or plumbing, require a building permit. Zoning rules add: side and rear setbacks of typically 4-5 feet from property lines (the exact distance varies by base zone - see Sec. 8-2.505), maximum lot-coverage limits that count accessory structures toward total coverage, and the rule that the accessory structure must be subordinate to (smaller than and supportive of) the primary dwelling. Sheds near a fence or property line should also be checked against the county's fence and setback rules. ADUs are a separate category with their own size limits (see ADU Rules).
Constructing a shed larger than 120 sq ft without a building permit, or placing any accessory structure inside required setbacks, is a code violation enforced by Yolo County Building Inspection Services and Code Enforcement. Remedies include a Notice of Violation, after-the-fact permit application (typically with elevated fees), and, in serious cases, removal of the structure. Continuing violations may incur administrative penalties.
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