San Francisco, CA: backyard pod and shed permit line

San Francisco's building department says it plainly: the exemption covers a non-habitable shed for general storage, and an office needs a building permit. The height cap is 10 ft from yard grade to the top of the roof. Lights and outlets are possible with an electrical permit.

“the exemption from permit is limited to a non-habitable shed used for general storage”

From San Francisco Department of Building Inspection, FAQ: Storage Sheds Exempt from Permit (dated Oct 24, 2025), citing SFBC 106A.2.1, read Nov 5, 2026.

The conditions, one by one

Size line	120 sq ft or less
Measured as	floor area in the FAQ answer; the code text quoted in the same FAQ says projected roof area
Height	not more than 10 ft, measured from yard grade to the top of the roof; one story
Power	Lights or outlets are allowed if an electrical permit is obtained and the work is inspected and approved.
Use	Exemption is limited to a non-habitable shed used for general storage (garden tools and children's playhouses also allowed). The FAQ says habitable uses such as offices need a building permit.

Size line

120 sq ft or less

Measured as

floor area in the FAQ answer; the code text quoted in the same FAQ says projected roof area

Height

not more than 10 ft, measured from yard grade to the top of the roof; one story

Power

Lights or outlets are allowed if an electrical permit is obtained and the work is inspected and approved.

Use

Exemption is limited to a non-habitable shed used for general storage (garden tools and children's playhouses also allowed). The FAQ says habitable uses such as offices need a building permit.

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

The FAQ quotes SFBC 106A.2.1 in two wordings (floor area and projected roof area); shown as published.

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.