Shed Installation Permits in Palmdale

Local Rule

City of Palmdale Building and Safety Division; Palmdale Municipal Code Section 17.82.020 (California Building Code Section 105.2 local adoption)

Palmdale requires a building permit for most detached accessory structures, including sheds, if they exceed 120 square feet in floor area or are taller than 12 feet; even smaller sheds may require a permit depending on construction type and lot location. A site plan showing the shed's location relative to all property lines and existing structures must be submitted with the permit application. Detached sheds, garages, and workshops must sit outside required front, side, and rear setbacks under Municipal Code Section 17.82.020, using a height-based rule set out in Table 17.82.020-1. Typical rear and side setbacks in R-1 zones are 5 feet.

Source · Verified September 2026

Palmdale Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Los Angeles County

Palmdale'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 Palmdale with a confirmed shed installation rule:

FAQs

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

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