San Francisco, CA shed and backyard pod permit exemption

San Francisco exempts a non-habitable storage shed of up to 120 sq ft from a building permit. The Department of Building Inspection FAQ states that habitable uses such as offices need a building permit. The height limit is 10 ft from yard grade to the top of the roof. Lights and outlets need an electrical permit.

San Francisco quick facts

Size limit: 120 sq ft or less
Measured as: Floor area in the FAQ answer. The code text quoted in the same FAQ says projected roof area.
Height: Not more than 10 ft from yard grade to the top of the roof. One story.
Electrical power: Lights or outlets are allowed if an electrical permit is obtained and the work is inspected and approved.
Use: 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.
Source: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection, FAQ: Storage Sheds Exempt from Permit (dated Oct 24, 2025), citing SFBC 106A.2.1
Checked: Nov 5, 2026

Official text

“the exemption from permit is limited to a non-habitable shed used for general storage”

Source: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection, FAQ: Storage Sheds Exempt from Permit (dated Oct 24, 2025), citing SFBC 106A.2.1.

Pod sizes compared with the San Francisco 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.