Shed Rules: Huntington Beach vs Midway City

Do I need a permit for a shed in Huntington Beach?

Sheds under 120 square feet may be exempt from building permits, but must still meet setback requirements. Larger sheds require permits from Community Development at (714) 536-5271.

How close to the fence can I build a shed in Huntington Beach?

Accessory structures must meet zoning setback requirements which vary by district. Check with Community Development at (714) 536-5271 for the setback requirements in your zone.

What is the maximum shed size without a permit in Huntington Beach?

Sheds under 120 square feet and meeting height limits are generally exempt from building permits. They must still comply with zoning setbacks and fire separation requirements.

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.