Do I need a permit for a shed in Long Beach, CA?

Small sheds with no plumbing, electrical or mechanical work can skip a permit: the permit page says up to 120 sq ft and 8 ft tall, but the FAQ says 64 sq ft.

What changes the answer

• Larger or with utilities: permit

Note: Long Beach's two official pages give different limits (sheds 120 vs 64 sq ft; small roofing 100 vs 500 sq ft). We show the stricter reading where it matters; confirm.

Cost

Fee not extracted; see Long Beach Development Services fees. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://longbeach.gov/lbcd/building/permit-center/do-i-need-a-permit/

Where to apply

City of Long Beach Development Services Permit Center (LBCD online)

Permitting authority: City of Long Beach Development Services, Building and Safety Bureau. Exempt work must still meet Long Beach zoning rules (height, setbacks, coverage). See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, children's playhouses, or similar uses. Structures should not exceed 120 square feet and 8 feet in height from floor to roof; and should not include any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical installations.”

Source: https://longbeach.gov/lbcd/building/permit-center/do-i-need-a-permit/

“it does not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in area nor eight (8) feet in height from floor to roof”

Source: https://longbeach.gov/lbcd/faq/permits/

Verified: 2026-10-19 · Status: verified · Confidence: medium