Ray,

Go to the Costra County website. Click on the tab at the top of your screen labeled "Government" then "Ordinance."

Then, go down to Title 7; Building Regulations and Title 8; Zoning.

If your county follows the norm; the legal size and use of any structure on your property will be regulated by the zoning and legal usage of the zoning that was on the title at the time you bought it, and neither is related to the building codes.

Your county may have it's own building codes, or may have adopted BOCA, or the State of California has its own and requires all lesser units of government in CA to adhere to them, but in any case; building codes only regulate how different structures must be constructed, regardless of the zoning.

So I believe that what you are seeking isn't an exception to building codes, which are specific to human health and safety and therefore, no exception can be allowed- but a zoning variance, to allow you to erect a structure on your property that exceeds the total size allowed for your zoning.

However; you wrote: "The people in the planning department, naturally, will not give any information on something like this"

Beg pardon, but that's what they are being paid to do. If the planning dept. people didn't know what's in the ordinances they are being paid to administer, or direct you to the right dept. to address your needs, which I'm guessing to be zoning, not planning; call the zoning dept. if there is one and if you still can't get any answers- pay a call on your local county representative.

Addressing their constituents' needs is what they were elected to do and when asked for help; most will comply.

Did you ever answer this question? I'm wondering the same thing in unincorporated Alameda county. Nobody seems to know, and the best I could get from the county building department when I asked them what was legal was that I should "just apply for a permit to be safe." FYI, in Alameda county, sheds can't have electricity or plumbing.

As I suggested in a concurrent thread, it is the type of foundation that is usually the key. Whatever you call the structure, it becomes "permanent" if it has a concrete slab foundation, typically requiring a building permit. A "temporary" structure may not be subject to code - for instance, a foundation of treated timber and a gravel/paver floor is considered 'temporary.'

I actually had the same question and I called the county of Alameda. They replied my phone call. They told me I need to bring in my plan and submit to their office in person at their business hours. Hope it helps.

I built a storage without permit and when I almost finish it the city inspector show up at my door . I live in Byron,Contra Costa county inspector was kind. But now I am stuck in the process to get the permit because I can’t find the professional who can help me with the plans,maps required. Please can someone give me an advice ? I called a construction company and only I lost time.

thanks

It would be nice if they changed the 120 sqft limit to something more reasonable such as 240 sqft. Especially for those living in rural areas on acreage.