Shed Installation Permits in Los Angeles

Local Rule

City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS); Los Angeles Building Code Section 105.2

The city of Los Angeles does not require a permit for a one-story detached accessory structure used for tools, garden equipment, or storage that is 120 square feet or less, no taller than 12 feet, and has no roof projection over 24 inches, provided the structure has no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical equipment; the exemption also requires the property to be outside Fire District No. 1. LADBS zoning requires a rear yard setback of 15 feet, a side yard setback of 5 feet, and a front yard setback of 15 to 25 feet for accessory structures. For a shed requiring a permit only because it exceeds the size or height limit, a Counter Plan Check typically takes 45 to 60 minutes to review.

Source · Verified September 2026

Los Angeles Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Los Angeles County

Los Angeles's own rule is shown above (No permit under 120 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.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Los Angeles with a confirmed shed installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a shed installation project:

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