Do I need a building permit for a shed? Find out now!

Sheds can be a great solution if you lack storage space, want to create a home office or a nice place for your children to play. But you have to take into consideration local building and zoning codes, as well as homeowners association rules, if you are a part of the HOA community.

We’ll explain everything you need to know so you can start your shed construction right away.

Key Takeaways

1. Sheds that are smaller than 120 square feet (in some jurisdictions 100 ft²) do not require building permit for a shed.
2. The cost of a permit for a shed ranges between $50 and $250.
3. Fines for not having building permit for a shed range between $50.000 and $100.000.

Do you need a building permit for a shed?

One of the most common questions when it comes to building a shed is “Can I build a shed without a permit?”. The answer is, it depends. Let’s explain all factors that will determine if you need building permit for a shed or not.

Building permits for a shed – Factors that determine if you need it

Factors that will determine if you need a permit for your shed are:

1. Size of the shed
2. Location of the shed
3. Intended purpose
4. Building codes
5. HOA rules
6. Setbacks
7. Severe weather conditions
8. Electricity and plumbing

Let’s explain each of them.

Size of the shed

In most areas the size of the shed will dictate if you need a permit for it. The size of the shed can be in regards to:

• Dimensions
• Square footage
• Footprint

If your storage shed has smaller dimensions, like 6’x8’ or 8’x8’, generally, you won’t need a permit for it.

You should know that in some areas larger sheds, for example 16’x24’, are completely forbidden. The best way to find out is to check with your local government what is the allowed footprint (percentage of land covered by a structure).

Location of the shed

The location of your shed is one of the main factors that will dictate if you need a permit. For example, you might want to build a new shed against your fence, but in most areas that is prohibited. Usually sheds can’t be attached to or close to following:

1. House
2. Fence
3. Trees
4. Property line
5. Other structures in your yard

Intended purpose

The intended use of the shed is very important when it comes to permits. If you are planning to build a gardening shed, or you just want some extra storage space, you probably won’t need a permit for it.

But if you are in any way extending your living space, then a permit to build a shed is going to be required. So, if you are planning to use your shed as an office, guest room, or small business you will need to get a building permit.

If you are planning to use your shed for business purposes, there is a high possibility that you will also need a zoning permit. In extreme cases, you will have to challenge local zoning restrictions.

Building codes – International Building Code and local zoning restrictions

When it comes to building codes, they are different in every county, city and state. But they are all based on International Building Code (IBC).

In IBC it is stated that homeowners have the right to build one detached structure that is going to be used as a tool shed, storage shed or a gardening shed. You don’t need to get a permit to build if it is smaller than 120 square feet.

Consider that local amendments, local codes and laws are stricter than IBC. In some places the structure cannot exceed 60 square feet.

HOA rules

As with any change you make to your yard and your property, you should familiarize yourself with your HOA rules and regulations. This, of course, only applies to those who live in an HOA community.

It is especially important to check your homeowners associations guidelines for specific aesthetic rules, size and location (distance from the property lines etc.). In many homeowners association bylaws it is stated that sheds can’t cover more than 1% of the lot.

Setbacks

Setbacks determine minimal distance between a certain structure and other nearby structures, property lines, streets or natural features. They vary from city to city. Setbacks range from 10 feet to 100 feet or more when it comes to wetlands (usually because of the drainage patterns).

In many places, building a shed so close to the fence (like shown in the picture above), would be against local codes.

Your local zoning department will have this information, so make sure to contact them before you decide on the location of your shed.

Severe weather conditions

If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather and extremely cold weather, there may be certain codes that you will need to follow. They usually relate to the foundation of the shed, which will make it more anchored in the event of a hurricane or tornado.

Electricity and plumbing

If you plan to add wire electricity, plumbing fixtures or any type of utility to your storage shed, you will need to obtain a permit to build a shed.

Now that we have covered all the factors that will dictate if you need a permit or not, let’s see how you can get it.

How to apply for a shed permit – Local zoning department

If you’ve read any of our other articles on the topic of building permits, like pool permit, or fence permit, you already know that this process is very similar for every building permit. It consists of these 4 steps:

1. Application and fees – Check your local building department for the exact amount of application fee and application form. These days, in almost every town, this can be done online. If not, go to your local city hall. Fill out the form and pay the necessary fees.
2. Plot plan – Think about the location and the size of the shed that you want to build. After you decide, you will need to get a site plan of your property. You will submit it with your application. In some specific cases you will also have to submit a floor plan.
3. Review process – The commission in your local county will review your site plan with the proposed structure. They will check if everything is in accordance with the local building codes and zoning codes and regulations.
4. Getting your approval – If everything follows the local zoning codes and regulations, and you fulfill all permit requirements, they will issue your permit.

But what about pre-build sheds, is the process the same? Let’s find out.

Do I need a permit for a pre-built shed?

All the factors that dictate if you need a permit for building a shed, are the same for a pre-build ones. The only difference is that you will need to obtain it before you purchase the shed.

In many cases, even the companies that will install the shed will ask you for building permits. The best course of action is to have your permission prepared before any construction work starts, in that way you know that you will have a shed on your property in no time.

When it comes to the process of obtaining a shed permit, the application process and application fee are the same for the pre-build sheds.

What size shed can I build without a permit?

In general, sheds that don’t require permits are:

1. Smaller sheds, not larger than 120 square feet (in some areas maximum size shed without permit is 100 square feet)
2. Not taller than 12 feet
3. Without plumbing and electricity
4. Used only for storage (storage shed)
5. Not using more than 1% of the lot

Building a shed without permit

Building a shed without an approval can result in fines, demolition of the structure and even lien on your property. There is no reason for shed building without a permit because you will have to pay the fees for the permit either way. Depending on your city or county the fee can be doubled as a form of punitive measure.

Shed building permit FAQs

The best way to get a permit for building a shed

The best and easiest way to get a shed building permit is by having a professionally done plot plan. In this way the members of the commission will be able to see the proposed project, distance from the neighboring structures and property setbacks.