Shed Installation Permits in Ontario

Local Rule

City of Ontario Building and Safety Division; Ontario Municipal Code; California Building Code Title 24

Ontario exempts a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed from a building permit when the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, consistent with the statewide California baseline; a shed with electrical wiring requires an electrical permit regardless of size. Detached garages and other accessory structures over 120 square feet require a permit, and even smaller sheds may still require zoning clearance depending on placement. Permit fees for shed and outbuilding projects in Ontario typically range from $45 to $270, and homeowners can generally pull their own permits and perform work as an owner-builder on their primary residence.

Source · Verified September 2026

Ontario Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to San Bernardino County

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

San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino 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 Ontario 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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