San Mateo (city), CA shed and backyard pod permit exemption

The City of San Mateo requires no building permit for accessory buildings of less than 120 sq ft. The city's page says a permit is required above 120 sq ft and does not address exactly 120 sq ft. The Building Division decides that size.

San Mateo (city) quick facts

Size limit: Less than 120 sq ft
Measured as: Area. The basis is not listed.
Height: Height limits in the rear third of the lot come from the Planning Division.
Electrical power: Not listed.
Use: Not listed.
Source: City of San Mateo Building Division
Checked: Nov 5, 2026

Official text

“A building permit is not required for accessory buildings less than 120 square feet, but setback requirements in the front 2/3 of the lot must be met.”

Source: City of San Mateo Building Division.

Other conditions

Not allowed in required front yard setbacks or in side yards in the front two thirds of the lot
Allowed in the rear third of the lot, up to the property line

Pod sizes compared with the San Mateo (city) size limit

9 of 36 pod sizes are under the 120 sq ft limit by floor area. Another 4 are exactly 120 sq ft. 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 Portland 8 x 12 ft: 96 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 8 x 14 ft: 112 sq ft

Exactly 120 sq ft: Studio Home Signature 10 x 12 ft, Studio Home Portland 10 x 12 ft, Kanga Room Systems Modern Kwik Room 10 x 12 ft, Kanga Room Systems Cottage Kwik Room 10 x 12 ft.

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.