Shed Installation Permits in Modesto

Local Rule

City of Modesto Building Safety Division; California Building Code Section 105.2 (Modesto-adopted)

Modesto exempts a one-story detached storage shed 120 square feet or less in area from a building permit, per the city's own Building Safety Division page; fences 7 feet or less in height are separately exempt. Planning setbacks still apply even to exempt sheds and fences, and some exceptions still require Planning or Building coordination (Planning setbacks: 209-577-5267). Simple projects like a shed or fence permit often approve within a few days through the eTRAKiT online portal or over the counter.

Source · Verified September 2026

Modesto Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Stanislaus County

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

Stanislaus County Department of Planning and Community Devel

Stanislaus County exempts residential storage sheds from a building permit only if the floor area is 120 sq ft or less AND the structure has zero electrical, plumbing, or mechanical connections. Connecting any utility voids the exemption regardless of size.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Modesto 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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