Permit Required? Required (over 120 sq ft)
Typical Fee Range $75–$350 ADU pre-approved plans may be faster
Fee Method Flat fee
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What's Required in Los Angeles

  • All shed permits in Los Angeles are regulated by the LADBS
  • Work must be performed by a licensed California contractor
  • Project must comply with Title 24 energy code where applicable
  • Structural work requires stamped plans by a licensed engineer
  • Permits must be posted visibly on-site during construction
  • Final inspection required before project sign-off

What Size Shed Needs a Permit in Los Angeles

Whether you need a building permit for a shed in Los Angeles usually comes down to size. Most cities exempt small accessory structures — commonly those under about 120 to 200 square feet — and require a permit for anything larger; Los Angeles’s exact cutoff is set by the LADBS, so check the size threshold in the requirements above before you build. A popular 10x12 shed (120 sq ft) sits right at that common dividing line, so it’s worth confirming. Larger sheds, and any shed with electrical, plumbing, or a permanent foundation, almost always need a permit regardless of footprint.

Building a Shed Without a Permit in Los Angeles

Even when a shed is small enough to skip a building permit in Los Angeles, “no permit” doesn’t mean “no rules.” A permit-exempt shed generally must stay under the LADBS’s size threshold, sit on a non-permanent base (sheds on skids or a gravel pad are treated more leniently than those on a poured foundation), and have no electrical or plumbing run to it. Crucially, zoning setbacks still apply — your shed usually has to sit a minimum distance from property lines and other structures, and that holds even for a permit-free shed. Confirm both the size exemption and the setback distance with the LADBS before you build.

How to Get a Shed Permit in Los Angeles

1

Check LADBS Requirements

Review the specific requirements for shed permits at the LADBS website or call the permit counter.

2

Prepare Plans

Submit site plan, construction drawings, and supporting documents through the LADBS ePlanLA Portal.

3

Apply Online or In Person

Many LA projects qualify for over-the-counter same-day approval at LADBS offices.

4

Pay Fees

Fees range $75–$350. Pay online or in person at the permit counter.

5

Schedule Inspections

Request inspections through the LADBS inspection scheduling portal as construction progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, yes — shed permits in LA require a permit from LADBS. The specific requirements depend on project scope and location. Check with LADBS to confirm requirements for your specific project.
Los Angeles shed permit permits typically cost $75–$350. Fees are set by LADBS and may include plan check fees in addition to the permit fee.
Simple residential projects often qualify for over-the-counter same-day approval at LADBS. Complex projects may require plan review, which typically takes 3–8 weeks.
It depends on Los Angeles’s threshold — many cities exempt sheds under roughly 120 to 200 square feet, but the exact cutoff is set by the LADBS (see the requirements above). The exemption usually also requires no permanent foundation and no electrical or plumbing, and zoning setbacks from property lines still apply even without a permit.
Often not, if it’s also under Los Angeles’s size threshold and has no utilities — many jurisdictions treat a shed on skids or a gravel pad as movable rather than a permanent building. A poured foundation or any electrical/plumbing typically triggers a permit. Confirm with the LADBS; zoning setbacks apply either way.