Do you need a permit for a shed in San Diego, CA?
It depends on size and placement.
San Diego's 120 sq ft shed limit counts projected roof area, eaves included.
The full exempt list is in San Diego Municipal Code section 129.0203.
Rules last checked by a person on October 19, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with San Diego before you build.
Check your exact lot
Setbacks depend on your zoning district, and a flood zone can change the permit answer. Enter your address to see both.
Permits a shed can need in San Diego
| Permit | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Building permit | San Diego requires a permit for storage sheds or playhouses over 120 sq ft of projected roof area. |
| Floodplain development permit | If the lot is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, communities in the flood insurance program must permit all development there, sheds included. |
| Electrical permit | Running power to the shed needs an electrical permit even when the shed itself is exempt.Confidence: medium |
Local details
- Call 811 at least a few days before you dig footings or post holes. Utility locating is free.
- HOA covenants and deed restrictions can be stricter than city rules. Check yours before you build.
How to apply
- San Diego Development Services
- Phone: (619) 446-5000
Questions people ask
- When does a shed need a building permit in San Diego?
- San Diego requires a permit for storage sheds or playhouses over 120 sq ft of projected roof area. Storage sheds up to 120 sq ft of projected roof area don't need a building permit.
- Where do I apply for a shed permit in San Diego?
- Apply through San Diego Development Services, or call (619) 446-5000.
Sources
- City of San Diego DSD, When Is a Permit Required? (Feb 2025). Checked 2026-10-19.
Storage sheds or playhouses over 120 sq. ft. in projected roof area require a permit... Fences up to seven feet tall do not require a permit. However, fences over six feet are prohibited in the front yard setback, and fences over three feet are prohibited i…
- 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
- 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
- 2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…