San Jose, CA shed and backyard pod permit exemption
San Jose requires no permit for an accessory building of 120 sq ft or less unless it includes electricity or plumbing. Zoning standards and rear yard coverage rules also apply.
San Jose quick facts
- Size limit
- 120 sq ft or less
- Measured as
- Area. The basis is not listed.
- Height
- Not listed.
- Electrical power
- No permit “unless it includes electricity or plumbing”.
- Use
- Not listed.
- Source
- City of San Jose Development Services Permit Center
- Checked
- Nov 5, 2026
Official text
“120 sq. ft. or less, no permit is required unless it includes electricity or plumbing”
Source: City of San Jose Development Services Permit Center.
Other conditions
- Zoning standards and rear yard coverage rules still apply (Municipal Code 20.30.500 and 20.200.020)
Pod sizes compared with the San Jose 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.