In Los Angeles, detached storage sheds of 120 sq ft or less, under 12 ft tall, with max 24-inch roof projection are exempt from building permits. Larger sheds require LADBS permits. All sheds must comply with zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work in any shed requires separate permits.
Under the LA Building Code, one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds are exempt from building permit requirements if: the 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. Sheds must still comply with LAMC zoning requirements for setbacks (typically 5 feet from rear and side property lines in R1 zones) and lot coverage limits. Any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical equipment installed in exempt sheds requires separate permits. Pre-approved standard plans are available from LADBS for common shed designs, which can streamline the permitting process. Sheds in hillside areas may have additional requirements. Some projects qualify as Express Permits through LADBS, which do not require plan review and can be obtained more quickly through the PermitLA web app.
Building a non-exempt shed without a permit may result in LADBS orders to comply with fines starting at $311 per violation. Unpermitted structures may need to be removed. Zoning violations for setback or coverage exceedances are enforced separately.
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See how Los Angeles's shed & outbuilding permits rules stack up against other locations.
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