Shed Rules: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do shed rules rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Sheds under 120 sq ft and 12 ft tall are permit-exempt in Berkeley. Larger structures need permits, fire zone sheds must meet WUI standards, and setbacks apply to all sheds.
View full Berkeley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
Sheds under 120 sq ft need no building permit in San Leandro but must meet zoning setbacks. Larger sheds require permits and rear/side setback compliance.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Permit exempt | Under 120 sq ft, 12 ft tall | - |
| Setbacks | 4 ft rear/side | - |
| VHFHSZ | WUI Chapter 7A applies | - |
| No sleeping | Not a dwelling | - |
| Electrical | Triggers permit | - |
| No Permit | - | Under 120 sq ft |
| Setback | - | 3-5 ft typical |
| Height | - | ~15 ft max |
| Utilities | - | Trigger permit |
| Sleeping | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I build a small shed on the property line?
No. Even permit-exempt sheds must meet 4-foot setbacks from side and rear property lines under Berkeley zoning, and cannot be placed in a required front yard.
Does my 100 sq ft shed need WUI construction in the hills?
Yes. Berkeley enforces Chapter 7A on all structures in the VHFHSZ including permit-exempt sheds. Ember-resistant siding and Class A roofing are expected even for small accessory buildings.
San Leandro FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 10x10 shed in San Leandro?
A 10x10 shed is 100 sq ft, so no building permit, but it must meet setback rules and cannot have plumbing.
Who enforces this in San Leandro?
San Leandro code enforcement at (510) 577-3394 handles most complaints. Alameda County agencies handle regional issues.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and San Leandro compare on other ordinance categories.
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