In San Bernardino County, detached storage sheds of 120 square feet or less, single-story, and without plumbing or electrical do not require a building permit. Larger sheds require permits and must comply with zoning setbacks and building code requirements.
San Bernardino County follows the California Building Code exemptions for small accessory structures. Detached one-story accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 square feet do not require a building permit if they have no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Sheds over 120 square feet require a building permit from the county Building & Safety Division. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks — typically 5 feet from rear and side property lines in residential zones. Sheds must be located in the rear yard. Maximum height for accessory structures is typically 15 feet. Prefabricated sheds still require a permit if over 120 square feet. The permit application requires a site plan showing the shed location relative to property lines and existing structures.
Building a shed without a required permit is a violation of County Code and may result in stop-work orders, administrative citations of $100-$500, and requirement to obtain a retroactive permit with additional fees.
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See how San Bernardino County's shed & outbuilding permits rules stack up against other locations.
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