4 rules for unincorporated Alameda County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Alameda County, storage sheds under 120 square feet without electrical or plumbing are exempt from building permits. Larger sheds require permits. All sheds must meet setback requirements and height limitations.
Residential fences up to 6 feet tall in unincorporated Alameda County generally do not require building permits. Fences over 6 feet, retaining wall/fence combinations, and fences in front yards exceeding zoning height limits require permits.
Small ground-level decks (under 200 sq ft, less than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a building) are generally exempt from permits in Alameda County. Larger or elevated decks require building permits with structural plans.
Most renovation work in unincorporated Alameda County requires building permits. Cosmetic changes like painting and flooring replacement are exempt. Work involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems requires permits and inspections.
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