Shed Rules: El Cerrito vs Richmond
How do shed rules rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Richmond, CA?
El Cerrito and Richmond have similar restriction levels.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
In unincorporated Contra Costa, a detached one-story accessory building used as a tool/storage shed of 120 sq ft or less does not require a building permit. Zoning setbacks still apply—typically 3 feet from side/rear property lines in R-zones—and any shed with electrical or plumbing needs a permit.
View full El Cerrito rules →Richmond, CA
Contra Costa County
Sheds and similar one-story detached accessory structures under 120 square feet are exempt from building permit requirements under California Building Code Section 105.2. Larger sheds require a Richmond building permit and must comply with zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot-coverage rules.
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Permit-exempt size | 120 sq ft and under 12 ft tall | - |
| Side/rear setback | 3 ft typical residential | - |
| Electrical/plumbing | Triggers permit regardless of size | - |
| Lot coverage | Counts toward 35-40% cap | - |
| WUI rule | Ignition-resistant materials recommended | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 100 sq ft shed with an outlet?
Yes. Any shed with electrical service, regardless of size, needs an electrical permit, and the overall structure must be inspected.
Can I place a shed on the property line?
No. Even permit-exempt sheds must meet the zoning setback—typically at least 3 feet from the side and rear property lines.
Richmond FAQ
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