Shed Permit in Los Angeles, California
By Mario Bailey Last verified 2026-06-17 · 2 official sources
Quick answer
One-story detached sheds under 120 square feet and under 12 feet in height are exempt from a building permit in Los Angeles if they have no electrical or plumbing. Sheds at or above 120 sq ft or 12 ft in height require a building permit. Adding utilities to any shed also requires separate trade permits.
Permit required?
Sometimes, depending on the project.
Typical threshold: one-story shed under 120 sq ft and under 12 ft in height with no electrical or plumbing does not require a permit.
When a permit is usually needed
Before building a shed that exceeds the exempt threshold
Permit cost and what affects it
Fees are set by the locality and are not published here. See the official fee schedule or contact the office for current amounts.
Permit costs generally depend on the project valuation, the scope of work, and the inspections required. Ask the office how the fee is calculated for your specific project.
Where to apply
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
- 201 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Phone: (213) 473-3231
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a shed permit in Los Angeles?
- One-story detached sheds under 120 square feet and under 12 feet in height are exempt from a building permit in Los Angeles if they have no electrical or plumbing. Sheds at or above 120 sq ft or 12 ft in height require a building permit. Adding utilities to any shed also requires separate trade permits. The typical threshold is one-story shed under 120 sq ft and under 12 ft in height with no electrical or plumbing does not require a permit. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a shed permit cost in Los Angeles?
- Fees are set by Los Angeles and are not published here. Contact the office for current amounts.
- How long does a shed permit take in Los Angeles?
- Processing time for a shed permit in Los Angeles varies by workload and project scope. Contact the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety for a current estimate.
- Where do you apply for a shed permit in Los Angeles?
- You can apply through the Los Angeles permit portal or contact the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety directly. The links are listed on this page.
Official sources
Last verified: 2026-06-17 Report an error on this page
Compare Shed Permit requirements across California localities