Shed Installation Permits in San Diego

Local Rule

City of San Diego Development Services Department; San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 2

A one-story detached accessory building supported on the ground and used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar use is exempt from a building permit in San Diego provided the projected roof area (not floor area, so eave overhangs count) is 120 square feet or less, per the city's own Municipal Code, and the structure is not used for any separately regulated use. Properties in the Coastal Overlay Zone (Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, La Jolla, and others) require a Coastal Development Permit for shed construction even when otherwise exempt by size. Retaining walls 3 feet in height or less, measured from the top of the footing, are separately exempt unless supporting a surcharge.

Source · Verified September 2026

San Diego Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to San Diego County

San Diego'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 Diego 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 Diego 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 San Diego 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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