Los Angeles, CA shed and backyard pod permit exemption
Los Angeles exempts one-story detached accessory structures with a floor area of 120 sq ft or less. The exemption excludes any structure with a heating, plumbing or electrical installation. It does not apply in Fire District No. 1.
Los Angeles quick facts
- Size limit
- 120 sq ft or less
- Measured as
- Floor area.
- Height
- One story.
- Electrical power
- Exemption requires that the structure “does not contain any heating, plumbing or electrical installation”.
- Use
- Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses.
- Source
- Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 91.101.5 (Work Not in Scope), item 1
- Checked
- Nov 5, 2026
Official text
Source: Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 91.101.5 (Work Not in Scope), item 1.
Other conditions
- Not located in Fire District No. 1
- Must be located as permitted by Chapter I of the LAMC (zoning)
Pod sizes compared with the Los Angeles size limit
13 of 36 pod sizes are within the 120 sq ft limit by floor area. The other 23 are over the limit.
- Autonomous MetroPod: 80 sq ft
- Autonomous WorkPod: 102 sq ft
- Autonomous StudioPod: 105 sq ft
- Studio Home Signature 8 x 10 ft: 80 sq ft
- Studio Home Signature 8 x 12 ft: 96 sq ft
- Studio Home Signature 8 x 14 ft: 112 sq ft
- Studio Home Signature 10 x 10 ft: 100 sq ft
- Studio Home Signature 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
- Studio Home Portland 8 x 12 ft: 96 sq ft
- Studio Home Portland 8 x 14 ft: 112 sq ft
- Studio Home Portland 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
- Kanga Room Systems Modern Kwik Room 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
- Kanga Room Systems Cottage Kwik Room 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
Of the pods within the limit, 3 ship pre-wired, all from Autonomous. This rule addresses electrical power, so that condition applies to them.
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.