City Guide · Verified 2026
Shed Installation Permits in Long Beach
Local Rule
City of Long Beach Development Services, Building and Safety Bureau; Long Beach Municipal Code Section 18.12.010.F(2)(l) — a separate official city FAQ page states a broader 120 sqft/8ft figure
A permit is not required for a detached equipment shed, utility building, or children's playhouse or tree house accessory to a dwelling unit, provided the building does not exceed 64 square feet in area nor 8 feet in height from floor to roof and contains no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical installations, per Municipal Code Section 18.12.010.F(2)(l) as quoted directly by the city's own Permit Related Questions page. A separate official Long Beach "Do I Need A Permit?" page instead states a broader 120-square-foot/8-foot figure for the same category, so the two official sources conflict; the more specific code-section citation was used here. Planning staff should be contacted to confirm the shed's proposed location complies with Title 21 zoning.
Source · Verified September 2026
Long Beach Building Department
Office: Long Beach Development Services Department, Building & Safety Bureau
Address: 411 W. Ocean Blvd., 3rd Floor, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 570-5237
Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
How This Compares to Los Angeles County
Long Beach's own rule is shown above (No permit under 64 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:
Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County the shed must also meet zoning setbacks (commonly 5 feet from side and rear lines) and, in fire-hazard zones, ignition-resistant requirements.
Nearby Cities with Verified Rules
Other cities near Long Beach with a confirmed shed installation rule:
FAQs
Which department handles Shed Installation permits in Long Beach?
City of Long Beach Development Services, Building and Safety Bureau; Long Beach Municipal Code Section 18.12.010.F(2)(l) — a separate official city FAQ page states a broader 120 sqft/8ft figure handles Shed Installation permits in Long Beach.
Is Long Beach different from Los Angeles County on Shed Installation?
No. Long Beach's rule (No permit under 64 sqft) matches the general pattern in Los Angeles County.
Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need
Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a shed installation project:
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