Shed Rules: Midway City vs Mission Viejo

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.

Do I need a permit for a small shed in Mission Viejo?

Sheds under 120 square feet and single-story are exempt from building permits, but must meet zoning setbacks. Most HOAs still require architectural review approval.

Can I put a shed in my front yard?

No, sheds and accessory structures are generally not permitted in required front yard setback areas. They must be placed in side or rear yard areas meeting setback requirements.

Are prefabricated sheds allowed?

Yes, prefabricated sheds are acceptable if they meet the size, placement, and setback requirements. Your HOA may have additional standards for materials and appearance.