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.
Midway City, CA
Midway City is an unincorporated CDP in Orange County, CA, surrounded by Westminster. Because it has no city government, Orange County Codified Ordinances Ti...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County exempts one small detached non-habitable accessory structure - a shed - per 7,200 square feet of building site area from accesso...
Orange County, CA
Carports in unincorporated Orange County are governed by Section 7-9-70.3(d) of the Codified Ordinances, which requires carports to comply with main-building...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows the conversion of an existing garage, carport, or accessory structure into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Section...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County requires every pool/spa deeper than 18 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches (5 ft) high under California Health...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows ADUs on any residentially zoned lot under OC Zoning Code (Title 7, Division 9) and California Government Code Β§65852.2 (A...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how Midway City'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.