Autonomous backyard pod sizes and permit exemption limits
Autonomous lists three backyard pods: the MetroPod at 80 sq ft, the WorkPod at 102 sq ft and the StudioPod at 105 sq ft. Prices are $18,900 to $22,900. All three pods ship pre-wired.
Autonomous quick facts
- Models
- MetroPod, WorkPod, StudioPod
- Floor area
- 80 to 105 sq ft
- Price
- $18,900 to $22,900
- Ceiling height
- 6.8 to 9.3 ft
- Insulation
- 5 or 6 layers
- Power
- Wall outlets, ceiling lights and Ethernet ports in every pod
- Pre-wired
- Yes. One outdoor cable from the house powers the pod.
- Outside height
- Not listed
- Permit statement
- The compare table lists “No permits”. The FAQ says rules vary by city, county and HOA.
Autonomous sizes and specs
| Model | Floor area | Price | Ceiling | Insulation | Comfort range | Outlets and lights | Foundation | Solar option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MetroPod | 80 sq ft | $18,900 | 7.25 ft flat | 5 layers | 65 to 90 F | 2 wall outlets, 1 ceiling light, 1 Ethernet port | No slab. 4 adjustable feet, slope up to 5 degrees | No |
| WorkPod | 102 sq ft | $20,900 | 6.8 ft to 9.3 ft (sloped) | 6 layers | 45 to 100 F | 2 wall outlets and 1 floor outlet, 1 ceiling light, 1 ventilator, 2 Ethernet ports | No slab. 6 adjustable feet, slope up to 5 degrees | Option: 3 x 430 W panels, 10.2 kWh battery |
| StudioPod | 105 sq ft | $22,900 | 7.25 ft flat | 6 layers | 45 to 100 F | 5 wall outlets, 4 ceiling lights, 1 ventilator, 2 Ethernet ports | No slab. 6 adjustable feet, slope up to 5 degrees | Option: 4 x 460 W panels, 10.2 kWh battery |
Source: the Autonomous pages listed under Sources.
Floor area compared with 15 permit exemptions
The table compares floor area only. The conditions on electrical power, use and height are on each city or county page.
| City or county | Size limit | 80 sq ft | 102 sq ft | 105 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 120 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| Portland | 200 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| Washington County | 200 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| Denver | 200 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| Austin | 200 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| Phoenix | 200 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| Los Angeles | 120 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| San Jose | 120 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| San Francisco | 120 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| Oakland | Less than 120 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| San Mateo (city) | Less than 120 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| San Mateo County (unincorporated) | 120 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| Citrus Heights | 120 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| Sacramento County (unincorporated) | 120 sq ft | Within limit | Within limit | Within limit |
| Raleigh | None | Permit at any size | Permit at any size | Permit at any size |
Autonomous kit, power and permit notes
The pods ship flat-packed in 3 crates and sit on adjustable feet with no slab. One outdoor cable from the house powers the outlets and lights. A 66 ft cable is included, and Autonomous suggests a 20A dedicated circuit. The compare table on the Autonomous site lists every model as “No permits”. The FAQ on the same page says rules vary by city, county and HOA.
Conditions beyond floor area
Each pod is under 120 sq ft by Autonomous's number. All three are within the size limit in 14 of the 15 cities and counties here, and Raleigh requires a permit at every size. The pods ship pre-wired and are sold for office use. Of the 15 exemptions, 10 address electrical power and 10 limit the use of the building.
The building department for the address decides whether a permit is required. This site repeats published rules and compares them with published pod sizes. Zoning rules, HOA rules and setbacks can also apply.