Building permit exemptions for sheds and backyard pods in 15 cities and counties
This table lists the building permit exemption for small detached buildings in 15 cities and counties. The limit is 120 sq ft in 9 of them and 200 sq ft in 5. Raleigh requires a permit at every size. Each row links the city or county source.
| City or county | Size limit | Height in the rule | Use in the rule | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | 120 sq ft | Single story. | Exemption only for a shed 'only used for storage, growing plants, or similar generally unoccupied uses.' | Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections |
| Portland, OR | 200 sq ft | 15 ft or less, measured from the grade plane to the average height of the highest roof. | Exemption is for non-habitable structures. | Portland Permitting & Development |
| Washington County, OR | 200 sq ft | 15 ft or less, measured from the grade plane to the average height of the highest roof. | “If it is habitable, it needs a permit.” | Washington County Land Use & Transportation |
| Denver, CO | 200 sq ft | 8 ft top plate height and 14 ft to any point, measured from the lowest adjacent grade. | Exemption covers one-story, detached, non-conditioned buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses. | Denver Community Planning and Development |
| Austin, TX | 200 sq ft | 15 ft or less. | Must not create a dwelling. | Austin Development Services Department |
| Phoenix, AZ | 200 sq ft | One story. | Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses (commentary adds ramadas and gazebos). | City of Phoenix Planning and Development |
| Los Angeles, CA | 120 sq ft | One story. | Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses. | Los Angeles Municipal Code |
| San Jose, CA | 120 sq ft | Not listed. | Not listed. | City of San Jose Development Services Permit Center |
| San Francisco, CA | 120 sq ft | Not more than 10 ft from yard grade to the top of the roof. One story. | Exemption is limited to a non-habitable shed used for general storage (garden tools and children's playhouses also allowed). The FAQ says habitable uses such as offices need a building permit. | San Francisco Department of Building Inspection |
| Oakland, CA | Less than 120 sq ft | Generally 15 ft maximum. | A bedroom or full bathroom rules out the setback waiver. | City of Oakland Planning and Building |
| San Mateo (city), CA | Less than 120 sq ft | Height limits in the rear third of the lot come from the Planning Division. | Not listed. | City of San Mateo Building Division |
| San Mateo County (unincorporated), CA | 120 sq ft | 12 ft above grade or less. | Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses. | San Mateo County Planning and Building |
| Citrus Heights, CA | 120 sq ft | One story. Buildings up to 16 ft tall in the rear yard need a 5 ft setback. | Structures used for living space need a permit. | City of Citrus Heights Building and Safety |
| Sacramento County (unincorporated), CA | 120 sq ft | Under 9 ft may sit on the property line. From 9 to 12 ft the building must be 5 ft from the property line. Height is measured to the highest part of the roof. | Shall not be used for human habitation. | Sacramento County Building Permits and Inspection |
| Raleigh, NC | None | Part of the 12 ft rule. | Not listed. | City of Raleigh |
Each city or county page has the official text, the other conditions and the pod sizes within the limit.
Cities and counties covered
These 15 cities and counties publish the exemption as text on a city or county page, in the municipal code or in an official handout. California, Oregon and Washington account for 11 of the 15.
San Diego, Nashville, Minneapolis, Houston and Chicago are not included. Corrections and official links for other cities go to support@backyardofficepermits.com.
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.