Power is where a small pod most often leaves the exemption
A pod can be well under the size line and still need a permit once a cable comes from the house. 10 of the 15 rules here mention power in the exemption text or right beside it.
| Place | What the page says about power |
|---|---|
| Seattle | Page does not list wiring in the exemption test. It notes you may need to apply to Seattle City Light for electrical service changes or new services. |
| Portland | Electrical, plumbing, or heating and cooling work needs trade permits. |
| Washington County | Not covered on this page. |
| Denver | A maximum of two lights and two receptacles are permitted with a valid electrical permit. |
| Austin | New wiring is not on the exempt list for residential electrical work (the list covers items such as cord-and-plug decorative lighting and like-for-like replacements). |
| Phoenix | City commentary: “If utilities are provided to a detached accessory structure exempt from permit, a permit is required for the installation of the utilities.” |
| Los Angeles | Exemption requires that the structure “does not contain any heating, plumbing or electrical installation”. |
| San Jose | No permit “unless it includes electricity or plumbing”. |
| San Francisco | Lights or outlets are allowed if an electrical permit is obtained and the work is inspected and approved. |
| Oakland | A permit is needed if mechanical, electrical or plumbing work is involved. |
| San Mateo (city) | Not covered on this page. |
| San Mateo County (unincorporated) | Not covered on this page. |
| Citrus Heights | Exemption requires that “no power will be ran to the building”. |
| Sacramento County (unincorporated) | Electrical or plumbing added to an exempt structure requires a miscellaneous permit. |
| Raleigh | Not covered on this page. |
What the makers ship
- Autonomous: all three pods ship pre-wired, with one outdoor cable from the house powering the whole unit; a 66 ft cable is included and the maker recommends a 20A dedicated circuit (maker page, read Nov 5, 2026).
- Studio Home: the finished installation includes a "code-compliant electrical package". The FAQ adds that more places now require permits for any size unit with electrical, and that heating or cooling will likely require a permit for the entire structure (maker FAQ, read Nov 5, 2026).
- Kanga: power details for the Kwik Room kit are not published.
Solar does not remove the question
Autonomous offers solar on the WorkPod (3 x 430 W panels) and StudioPod (4 x 460 W panels), each with a 10.2 kWh battery and a 3,000 W inverter limit. None of the 15 rules here addresses solar on an exempt shed, so the electrical rule for your address still decides it. Ask the building office before you assume an off-grid setup is exempt.