Oakland, CA: backyard pod and shed permit line

Oakland writes the line as less than 120 sq ft, so a 10 x 12 ft building at exactly 120 sq ft does not meet the words on the page. Only one such structure is allowed per property, and zoning review still applies.

“Up to one structure measuring less than 120 sq ft per property is generally permitted outright”

From City of Oakland Planning and Building, read Nov 5, 2026.

The conditions, one by one

Size line	120 sq ft (written as less than)
Measured as	area (basis not stated)
Height	generally 15 ft maximum
Power	A permit is needed if mechanical, electrical or plumbing work is involved.
Use	A bedroom or full bathroom rules out the setback waiver.

Size line

120 sq ft (written as less than)

Measured as

area (basis not stated)

Height

generally 15 ft maximum

Power

A permit is needed if mechanical, electrical or plumbing work is involved.

Use

A bedroom or full bathroom rules out the setback waiver.

Also on the page

One structure under 120 sq ft per property
Zoning review is still required
Side and rear setbacks may be waived if the whole structure is within 35 ft of the rear lot line, walls are 9 ft max, the peak is 12 ft max and at least 50% of the rear yard stays open (OMC 17.108.130 K)

Pod sizes against this line

9 of 36 pod sizes are inside the 120 sq ft line by floor area. 4 sit exactly on it. 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 Portland 8 x 12 ft: 96 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 8 x 14 ft: 112 sq ft

On the line: Studio Home Signature 10 x 12 ft, Studio Home Portland 10 x 12 ft, Kanga Room Systems Modern Kwik Room 10 x 12 ft, Kanga Room Systems Cottage Kwik Room 10 x 12 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

Oakland also publishes a separate 'Work exempt from a building permit' page (found, not read).

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.