Shed Rules: Garden Grove vs Midway City
How do shed rules rules compare between Garden Grove, CA and Midway City, CA?
Midway City has fewer restrictions than Garden Grove.
Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove regulates accessory structures through its single-family residential development standards. Detached structures must observe required setbacks, with a minimum 5-foot setback when adjacent to R-1 zone property. Building permits may be required depending on size.
View full Garden Grove rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Unincorporated Orange County exempts one small detached non-habitable accessory structure - a shed - per 7,200 square feet of building site area from accessory-structure standards under Section 7-9-116.1(h)(1) of the Codified Ordinances, provided it is under 120 square feet, no taller than 8 feet, set at least 3 feet from rear and side property lines, set at least 6 feet from another building, and not located in any front yard. Sheds beyond that allowance are accessory structures regulated by Section 7-9-116.1.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garden Grove | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Setback (R-1 Adjacent) | Minimum 5 feet | - |
| Small Sheds | May be exempt from permits | - |
| Larger Structures | Building permit required | - |
| Use Restriction | No dwelling without ADU approval | - |
| Contact | Building & Safety — (714) 741-5312 | - |
| Authority | - | OC Codified Ord. Sec. 7-9-116.1(h)(1) |
| Exempt Size | - | Under 120 sq ft enclosed floor area |
| Exempt Height | - | 8 ft maximum |
| Side/Rear Setback | - | 3 ft minimum |
| Building Separation | - | 6 ft minimum |
| Front Yard | - | Not allowed |
| One-Per-Lot Rule | - | 1 exempt shed per 7,200 sq ft of lot area |
| Beyond Exemption | - | Zoning Land Use Certificate (sheds 2+) or full permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garden Grove FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in Garden Grove?
Small sheds under 120 square feet may be exempt from building permits but must still meet zoning setbacks. Larger structures require permits. Confirm with Building and Safety at (714) 741-5312.
How far from the property line does a shed need to be?
A minimum 5-foot setback is required when adjacent to R-1 zone property. Other setback requirements may apply depending on the zone and structure size.
Can I use a shed as a living space?
No. Accessory structures may not be used as dwelling units unless approved as an ADU under GGMC Chapter 9.54.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need a permit to put up a small storage shed in unincorporated Orange County?
Generally no for one shed under 120 square feet. Section 7-9-116.1(h)(1) of the Codified Ordinances exempts one detached non-habitable shed per 7,200 square feet of building site area from accessory-structure standards if it is under 120 sq ft, no taller than 8 feet, at least 3 feet from rear and side property lines, at least 6 feet from another building, and not in the front yard. The California Building Code as adopted under Title 7 also exempts such storage sheds from a building permit. A Zoning Land Use Certificate is still required for any additional non-habitable shed up to 120 sq ft.
How close to my property line can the shed be?
Section 7-9-116.1(h)(1) requires the exempt shed to be at least 3 feet from the rear and side property lines and at least 6 feet from any other building on the property. Sheds within 3 feet of a property line lose the exemption and become regular accessory structures, which under Section 7-9-116.1(e) are then capped at 8 feet in height when within 3 feet of a line.
Can I put my shed in the front yard?
No. Section 7-9-116.1(h)(1) explicitly states that the exempt shed shall not be located in any front yard area, and Section 7-9-116.1(d)(4) further bars detached accessory structures within the required front setback area unless authorized by a Use Permit approved by the Zoning Administrator. Section 7-9-116.1(d)(3) also bars structures within the 3.5-foot fence/wall corner-visibility zones of Section 7-9-64.
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