Los Angeles, CA: backyard pod and shed permit line
Los Angeles has the tightest wording of the 15 places here. The exemption stops at 120 sq ft and excludes any heating, plumbing or electrical installation, and it does not apply inside Fire District No. 1.
From Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 91.101.5 (Work Not in Scope), item 1, read Nov 5, 2026.
The conditions, one by one
| Size line | 120 sq ft or less |
|---|---|
| Measured as | floor area |
| Height | one story |
| Power | Exemption requires that the structure “does not contain any heating, plumbing or electrical installation”. |
| Use | Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses. |
Also on the page
- Not located in Fire District No. 1
- Must be located as permitted by Chapter I of the LAMC (zoning)
Pod sizes against this line
13 of 36 pod sizes are inside the 120 sq ft line by floor area. 23 are over.
- 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 Signature 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
- Studio Home Portland 8 x 12 ft: 96 sq ft
- Studio Home Portland 8 x 14 ft: 112 sq ft
- Studio Home Portland 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
- Kanga Room Systems Modern Kwik Room 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
- Kanga Room Systems Cottage Kwik Room 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
3 of those ship pre-wired (Autonomous). The rule names power, so the wiring condition applies to them even though the size fits.
Second check
permitmint.com Los Angeles shed page also uses 120 sq ft; LADBS page itself not found.
This page repeats the published rule and does the arithmetic on published sizes. Zoning, HOA rules and setbacks can still block a building the permit rule allows. Ask the office above before you order.