Shed Rules: Altadena vs Burbank
How do shed rules rules compare between Altadena, CA and Burbank, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Burbank.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Sheds 120 sq ft or smaller and ≤12 ft tall typically don't need a building permit in Altadena, but they still must comply with Altadena CSD setbacks. Anything larger needs a permit.
View full Altadena rules →Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) in Burbank require building permits for those over 120 sq ft. Must meet setback requirements per BMC Title 10 zoning. In Mountain Fire Zones, fire-resistant materials are required.
View full Burbank rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Burbank |
|---|---|---|
| No-Permit Threshold | ≤120 sq ft | - |
| Authority | LA County Title 26 + CBC §105.2 | - |
| Min Setbacks (R-1) | 5 ft side, 5 ft rear | - |
| Lot Coverage | 0.25 × lot + 1,000 sf (CSD 22.306.070.A.4) | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 120 sq ft |
| Setbacks | - | Per BMC Title 10 zoning |
| Mountain Fire Zone | - | Fire-resistant materials required |
| Topic | - | Shed Rules |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in Altadena?
Not if it is 120 sq ft or smaller and has no electrical/plumbing. Larger sheds require a building permit from LA County Building & Safety.
Burbank FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in Burbank?
Accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) in Burbank require building permits for those over 120 sq ft. Must meet setback requirements per BMC Title 10 zoning. In Mountain Fire Zones, fire-resistant materials are required.
How big can a shed be without a permit in Burbank?
Permit Threshold: Over 120 sq ft. Setbacks: Per BMC Title 10 zoning. Mountain Fire Zone: Fire-resistant materials required.
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