Key Fact — LA County

The California Building Code (CBC) exempts one-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft from a building permit statewide. Both unincorporated LA County and the City of Los Angeles follow this threshold. However, all sheds in LA require a zoning clearance, and many neighborhoods require additional review. LA County has 88 cities — each has its own building department.

Step 1: Know Your Jurisdiction

Los Angeles County contains 88 incorporated cities and a large unincorporated area. The permit authority depends on your location:

  • City of Los Angeles: LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) — ladbs.org
  • Unincorporated LA County: LA County Department of Public Works, Building & Safety Division — dpw.lacounty.gov
  • Other cities (Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Burbank, Glendale, Torrance, etc.): Each city's own building department

Confirm your jurisdiction at the LA County Assessor's parcel lookup — enter your address and the parcel detail shows whether you're in an incorporated city or unincorporated county land.

Permit Rules: City of Los Angeles

Shed Size / TypePermit Required?Notes
Under 120 sq ft, no utilities, one storyNO BUILDING PERMITExempt per CBC Section 105.2. Zoning clearance and setback compliance still required.
120 sq ft or overYESBuilding permit required through LADBS. Apply via the LADBS online portal.
Any shed with electricityYESElectrical permit required. Triggers building permit even on otherwise-exempt sheds.
Hillside area (HPOZ or hillside zone)EXTRA REVIEWProperties in Hillside areas require additional review for any accessory structure. Contact LADBS.
Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ)EXTRA REVIEWCertificate of Appropriateness may be required from the LA City Planning Department.

City of LA Setbacks (R1 Zone — Most Common Single Family)

  • Rear yard: 5 feet from rear property line
  • Side yard: 5 feet from interior side property lines; 10 feet from street side on corner lots
  • Height: Maximum 12 feet for detached accessory structures (single story)
  • Lot coverage: Total lot coverage including all structures cannot exceed 40% of lot area in most R1 zones
  • Front yard: Sheds not permitted in front yard

Permit Rules: Unincorporated LA County

Shed SizePermit Required?Notes
Under 120 sq ft, no utilitiesNO BUILDING PERMITExempt per CBC baseline. Zoning clearance from LA County Planning required.
120 sq ft or overYESApply through LA County Building & Safety at dpw.lacounty.gov
Any shed with electricityYESElectrical permit required regardless of shed size.

The ADU Interaction: Important for LA Homeowners

California's ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) laws — which have been significantly expanded since 2020 — interact with shed permits in an important way in Los Angeles. A shed that is later converted to a livable space (studio, home office with sleeping capability, guest room) triggers full ADU permit requirements. Some homeowners build a large shed thinking they'll convert it later without permits — this is a common source of unpermitted ADU violations in LA.

If you're planning to use your shed as anything other than simple storage or a workshop, discuss the project with LADBS or LA County Building & Safety before building. The ADU permit process is separate and more involved, but California's ADU laws have made it significantly easier and faster in recent years.

How to Apply: City of Los Angeles

  1. Use the LADBS online permit portal at ladbs.org — create an account and select "Residential Permit"
  2. For sheds at or over 120 sq ft: upload site plan, shed dimensions, and foundation type
  3. Over-the-counter approval is available for simple accessory structure permits — same-day in many cases
  4. Typical fee: $150–$450 for a residential shed depending on valuation
  5. LADBS Customer Service: (213) 482-6886

How to Apply: Unincorporated LA County

  1. Visit LA County Department of Public Works Building & Safety at dpw.lacounty.gov
  2. Apply online through the eServices portal for permits under 1,200 sq ft
  3. Contact: (626) 458-3173
  4. Typical fee: $100–$350 for a residential shed
Disclaimer: Permit rules in Los Angeles County vary by city and change frequently. Always verify with your specific building department before starting any project. Information accurate as of May 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 10×12 shed is 120 sq ft — exactly at the California exemption threshold. In the City of Los Angeles, the exemption is for sheds "less than" 120 sq ft, meaning a 10×12 (exactly 120 sq ft) may require a permit. A 10×11 (110 sq ft) would be exempt. Verify with LADBS before ordering a 10×12 — the boundary matters here.
An HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone) adds a layer of architectural review on top of normal permit requirements. Even for a permit-exempt shed, you may need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the LA City Planning Department before installation. Contact the City Planning Department's Office of Historic Resources at (213) 978-1200 to confirm requirements for your specific HPOZ.
No — all 88 incorporated cities in LA County can set their own rules. Many follow the CBC 120 sq ft baseline, but some cities (Long Beach, for example) have their own specific thresholds and processes. Always contact the building department for the city your property is in, not LA County's Department of Public Works (which only covers unincorporated areas).

Related