Shed & Outbuilding Permits: San Diego vs San Marcos
How do shed & outbuilding permits rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Diego has fewer restrictions than San Marcos.
San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego exempts accessory structures 120 square feet or less from building permits per SDMC §129.0202. Sheds over 120 square feet require a building permit. All sheds must comply with zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Permit fees are based on project valuation.
View full San Diego rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
In unincorporated San Diego County, one-story detached sheds under 120 square feet are exempt from building permits if they maintain at least 6 feet clearance from other buildings. Larger sheds require permits. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks and lot coverage.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Exempt | 120 sq ft or less, no utilities | - |
| Over 120 sq ft | Building permit required | - |
| Code Section | SDMC §129.0202 | - |
| Fee Schedule | Information Bulletin 501 | - |
| Apply Online | sdpermits.com | - |
| Exempt Under | - | 120 sq ft |
| Clearance | - | 6 ft from other buildings |
| Setbacks | - | 5-10 ft typical |
| Fire Zones | - | Fire-resistive may apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Diego FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in San Diego?
Sheds 120 square feet or less without utilities are exempt from building permits per SDMC §129.0202. Sheds over 120 square feet require a building permit from DSD. All sheds must meet zoning setback requirements.
Where can I place a shed on my property in San Diego?
Sheds must comply with side and rear setback requirements for your zone (typically 3-5 feet). Sheds cannot be in front yard setbacks. Check your zone's lot coverage limits with DSD.
San Marcos FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in San Diego County?
No, if the shed is a one-story detached storage building under 120 sq ft with 6 feet clearance from other buildings and no utility connections. Larger sheds require permits.
Do fire zone requirements affect sheds in San Diego County?
Yes. Much of unincorporated San Diego County is in fire-prone areas. Sheds may need fire-resistive construction and must comply with defensible space requirements.
Compare other topics
See how San Diego and San Marcos compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool