San Mateo County (unincorporated), CA: backyard pod and shed permit line
For unincorporated San Mateo County, the line is 120 sq ft and 12 ft of height. A second exempt structure has to be more than 50 ft away from the first.
“No building permit is required for the construction of a one-story detached accessory structure used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, and the height above grade does not exceed 12 feet.”
From San Mateo County Planning and Building, read Nov 5, 2026.
The conditions, one by one
| Size line | 120 sq ft or less |
|---|---|
| Measured as | floor area |
| Height | 12 ft above grade or less |
| Power | Not covered on this page. |
| Use | Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses. |
Also on the page
- Only one exempt structure unless separated from another exempt structure by more than 50 ft
- Zoning rules still apply
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
Second check
Same page also served at planning.smcgov.org.
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.