In unincorporated LA County, one-story detached accessory buildings (tool/storage sheds) under 120 square feet with a maximum height of 12 feet are exempt from building permits. Larger sheds require a permit from the DPW Building and Safety Division. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks.
Under LA County Building Code Title 26 (adopting the California Building Code with local amendments), one-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds are exempt from a building permit if: the gross floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, the height does not exceed 12 feet, and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches. However, separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may still be required if the shed includes utilities. All sheds, regardless of permit exemption, must comply with zoning setback requirements under Title 22 (typically 5 feet from rear and side property lines, though this varies by zone). Sheds must also comply with lot coverage limits and fire-resistive requirements in fire hazard zones. Prefabricated (factory-built) sheds over 120 square feet require a permit and must bear a state insignia of approval.
Building a shed over 120 sq ft without a permit may result in a stop-work order, required permit application with double fees, or demolition order if the structure cannot be brought to code.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed...
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new con...
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisan...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Lakewood'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.