Shed Installation Permits in Hayward

Local Rule

City of Hayward Building Division; City of Hayward Accessory Structure permit handout (California Building Code Section 105.2 local adoption)

Hayward exempts an accessory structure of 120 square feet or less from a building permit, per the city's own Accessory Structure handout, though the design and placement must still comply with local height and setback requirements. To build an accessory structure over 120 square feet, a building permit and a complete set of drawings are required, including dimensions from the main building to the proposed structure and to the property lines, a floor plan, at least one elevation, and a building section showing framing and foundation.

Source · Verified September 2026

Hayward Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Alameda County

Hayward's own rule is shown above (No permit under 120 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Alameda County / local code

California's building code lowers the shed exemption to 120 square feet (a 10x12 shed), below the national 200, with a 12-foot height cap. Anything larger, taller, on a permanent slab, or with electrical or plumbing needs a permit. In Alameda County the shed must also meet zoning setbacks (commonly 5 feet from side and rear lines) and, in fire-hazard zones, ignition-resistant requirements.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Hayward with a confirmed shed installation rule:

FAQs

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