Shed Rules: Lompoc vs Santa Maria
How do shed rules rules compare between Lompoc, CA and Santa Maria, CA?
Santa Maria has fewer restrictions than Lompoc.
Lompoc, CA
Santa Barbara County
Lompoc Zoning Code Title 17 exempts one-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) up to 120 square feet from building permits, consistent with the California Building Code. Detached accessory structures must be located on the rear half of the lot, with at least 5 feet between the main building and any accessory structure. Side and rear setbacks may be reduced for small sheds subject to a height-at-property-line formula.
View full Lompoc rules →Santa Maria, CA
Santa Barbara County
Small sheds under 120 square feet generally do not require a building permit in Santa Maria per California building code. Larger structures require permits and must meet setback requirements.
View full Santa Maria rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lompoc | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | Lompoc Zoning Code Title 17 | - |
| Permit-Exempt Size | ≤120 sq ft, no utilities (CBC) | - |
| Location | Rear half of lot; 5 ft from main | - |
| Height at Property Line | 9 ft max, sloping up | - |
| No Permit Needed | - | Under 120 sq ft |
| Permit Required | - | 120+ sq ft |
| Setbacks | - | Must comply with zoning code |
| Easements | - | Cannot build in easements |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lompoc FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small shed in Lompoc?
Not for a one-story tool/storage shed under 120 sq ft with no plumbing or electrical (California Building Code exemption). You must still keep the shed on the rear half of your lot, maintain 5 ft from the main house, and stay under 9 ft tall at the property line.
How close to the property line can a shed be in Lompoc?
A small accessory structure may sit at the property line if it is no taller than 9 feet there; height can rise 2.2 ft per additional foot of setback, up to 20 ft at 5 ft from the line. The structure must be on the rear half of the lot.
Santa Maria FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in Santa Maria?
Sheds under 120 square feet generally do not require a permit. Larger structures do.
How close to the property line can I put a shed in Santa Maria?
Sheds must comply with setback requirements in the zoning code, which vary by zone.
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