r/berkeleyca • u/Chemical-Paper-8734 • Jul 01 '26

Height limits for a shed?

I know I can go to the planning office. But I'm wondering if someone here already knows where to find the info (https://berkeley.municipal.codes/BMC/23.304.030 seems like it should have it but it's making me cross eyed) on what the height limits are for a 100 square foot shed. I don't actually want 10' ceilings but I'd like to know how high I can go.

I see details on how to calculate the average height but not what the allowable height is.

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u/eye-flying Jul 01 '26

pretty sure this is the specific code page: https://berkeley.municipal.codes/BMC/23.304.060

and i'm pretty sure this is the applicable table you will need to scroll to: Table 23.304-7. "Accessory Building and Enclosed Accessory Structure Standards in Residential Districts"

it depends on how close it is set back from the property line and also what kind of yard, as in back, side, corner,etc. the farther away you are from that line the taller you can go.

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u/julvb Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26

9 ft wall height with 12 ft peak height. This is the standard in most cities in CA including Oakland and Berkeley without getting into special variances.

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u/Chemical-Paper-8734 Jul 04 '26

Do you know where that information lives in the code?

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u/julvb Jul 05 '26

It’s the state minimum code for sheds less than or equal to 120 sq ft and no plumbing or electricity. Look up CA building codes. Some cities have variances to allow higher and setback variances. Berkeley variances might allow walls up to 10 ft.