In unincorporated Orange County, one-story detached sheds under 120 square feet are exempt from building permits. Larger sheds require permits. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks, lot coverage, and fire-zone requirements.
Under the California Building Code as adopted by Orange County, one-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds are exempt from building permits if: floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, height does not exceed 12 feet, and no utility connections are involved (electrical, plumbing, and mechanical require separate permits). Sheds over 120 square feet require a building permit with plan review. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks (typically 5 feet from property lines, varying by zone), lot coverage limits, and height restrictions for accessory structures. In fire hazard areas, fire-resistive construction may be required. Prefabricated sheds over 120 sq ft must bear a state HCD insignia. The county's online permit system (ePermit) handles many standard applications.
Unpermitted sheds over 120 sq ft face stop-work orders, required permits with double fees, or demolition if they cannot meet code.
Irvine, CA
Leaf blowers in Irvine must comply with the construction/maintenance equipment hours: 7:00 AM-7:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturdays, and prohibited on ...
Irvine, CA
Outdoor music in Irvine is subject to IMC noise zone standards. Organized events with amplified outdoor music require city permits. Music must comply with th...
Irvine, CA
Amplified music in Irvine is regulated under IMC Title 6, Division 8, Chapter 2 (Noise). Sound must not exceed the exterior noise standards for the receiving...
Irvine, CA
Aircraft noise in Irvine is primarily from John Wayne Airport (SNA), regulated by federal FAA rules and the county's access and noise plan. The IMC noise ord...
Irvine, CA
Irvine regulates street parking under IMC Title 6, Division 3 including the 72-hour limit, street sweeping compliance, and red zone prohibitions per Section ...
Irvine, CA
Irvine restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas under IMC Title 6, Division 3 and the Irvine Zoning Ordinance. Large commercial vehicles...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how Irvine's shed & outbuilding permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.