Shed Rules: Midway City vs Santa Ana
How do shed rules rules compare between Midway City, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Midway City and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
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 →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana exempts one-story detached storage sheds under 120 square feet from building permit requirements. Larger structures require permits and must comply with zoning setbacks under SAMC Sec. 41-606 and 41-607. Accessory structures may not be located within 12 feet of an alley centerline.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Permit Exempt | - | Under 120 sq ft |
| Alley Setback | - | 12 ft from centerline |
| Between Buildings | - | 15 ft minimum |
| Code Section | - | Sec. 41-606/41-607 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Santa Ana FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana exempts one-story detached storage sheds under 120 square feet from building permit requirements. Larger structures require permits and must comply with zoning setbacks under SAMC Sec. 41-606 and 41-607. Accessory structures may not be located within 12 feet of an alley centerline.
How big can a shed be without a permit in Santa Ana?
Permit Exempt: Under 120 sq ft. Alley Setback: 12 ft from centerline. Between Buildings: 15 ft minimum. Code Section: Sec. 41-606/41-607.
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