You finally have the time and resources to tear down a shed that has been an eyesore for years, whether it’s one you built long ago or inherited from previous owners.
You have the resources, time, and a plan—but do you need a permit to tear down a shed?
Let’s find out.
Key Takeaways
- In most states, you will have to obtain a permit to demolish a shed.
- Check with your local building department to see if you need a permit to demolish a shed to avoid potential penalties and stop-work orders
- Shed removal can be done by yourself or by hiring professional contractors.
Do You Need a Permit to Demolish a Shed?
Whether you need a permit to demolish a shed depends on your local building codes.
In most states, you need to obtain a permit, especially in urban areas where regulations are stricter to ensure safety and compliance.
Here are some examples from a few states and counties:
- NYC regulations: According to the NYC government site, a permit is required to excavate or demolish any building, structure, or property [1].
- Chicago and Portland: A permit is necessary unless the shed was originally constructed without needing a building permit due to its small size, as stated in the Chicago and Portland government sites [2], [3].
- Anne Arundel County, Maryland: A permit is needed for demolishing any non-residential building or structure, according to the Anne Arundel County government site [4].
- Park County, Colorado: Permits are required for all types of demolition work, as stated on the Park County government site [5].
- Effingham: According to the official Effingham government site, demolishing any permanent structure requires a permit; sheds without foundations may not be considered permanent structures [6].
Judging by these examples, you can see how different the municipal, county, and state regulations for shed demos are and how rare permit exemptions are.
In some situations, besides the demolition permit, you will also need to obtain an HOA permit and approval, particularly concerning historical preservation and property line setbacks; otherwise, you could face fines for violating HOA regulations and homeowner responsibilities.
Therefore, eliminating a shed without permits poses numerous potential risks and consequences.
What If I Tear Down a Shed Without a Demolition Permit?
If you tear down a shed without a demolition permit, you may face legal consequences and penalties, which vary from state to state.
The severity of these penalties basically depends on the shed’s location – how it’s impacted by local laws and the specifics of the situation.
In some cases, the penalties can outweigh the cost of building a new shed from scratch.
Beyond legal issues, building code violations like this can have additional negative impacts. They can result in financial losses, damage to your reputation, and potential liability problems.
Unpermitted demolitions can also create safety hazards and disrupt neighboring properties (especially if they involve utility clearance or hazardous material removal).
Ultimately, demolishing a shed without a permit is both risky and unethical.
Why Is a Demolition Permit Important for Shed Removal?
A demolition permit is important for shed removal because it enables authorities to monitor the process and ensure adherence to local regulations.
Here’s how it achieves this:
Ensures Compliance: A demolition permit ensures compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and zoning laws during shed removal.
Monitoring and Safety: Authorities monitor the demolition process to ensure it meets inspection requirements and is conducted safely.
Legal Requirement: It is a necessary legal document for demolishing any free-standing structure.
Official Permission: Grants authorization to demo a structure that originally required a building permit for its construction.
The application process and permit fees can vary by state, usually starting at $25.
Documents Required for Demolition Permit
Typically, you will have to provide the following documents to obtain a demolition permit:
- Application Form: Complete the provided form with project details like the property address, structure type for demolition, and estimated timeline.
- Site Plans: Prepare a detailed site plan showing the current structure, adjacent buildings, utilities, and property lines, including dimensions and materials.
- Asbestos Survey: An asbestos survey may be necessary before demolition to ensure the safe handling and disposal of any asbestos-containing materials.
- Proof of Insurance: Provide proof of liability insurance to cover accidental damages or injuries during demolition.
- Fee Payment: Submit required fees, which vary based on project size, to cover administrative costs for permit processing.
Yet, these required documents vary from location to location.
For example, in St. Louis, as per the government site, you will first have to confirm property ownership and provide photos of the structure to be demolished before providing any other documents [7].
This is why it’s important to thoroughly research and understand the specific municipal requirements and costs in your area before proceeding with any demolition plans.
Who Can Tear Down a Shed – DIY or Pro?
Shed teardown can be done by yourself or by professional contractors, depending on your preference or local regulations.
Demolishing by yourself is certainly one of the ways to reduce shed removal costs, but keep in mind that it’s an exhausting task that requires a lot of time and energy.
Additionally, some jurisdictional laws don’t allow individuals to remove sheds.
That’s the case in some areas, such as the state of Illinois or the city of Portland, where demolition must be performed by licensed general or deconstruction contractors.
Yet, while this requirement makes shed removal more expensive, it has the advantage of saving you time and reducing stress.
Permit To Tear Down a Shed FAQs
Do I Need a Permit to Tear Down a Shed in Texas?
Yes, you need a permit to tear down a shed in Texas. Additionally, in many cities in Texas, besides the demolition permit, you’re also required to acquire an Asbestos survey when dismantling the building.
How Long Does It Take To Knock Down a Shed?
It depends on the size of the shed. If your shed is small, it takes about a few hours, and if the shed is larger, it could take even a few days to eliminate it.
Get Your Permits and Launch Your Project Today
Avoiding the step of checking whether you need a permit before taking down a shed is an unnecessary risk that could lead to unwanted consequences for such a small task.
In most cases, you’re going to need a demolition permit, so check with your local building department. It only takes a few minutes to get the right information.
If they say a demolition permit is necessary (and perhaps additional permits), a site plan is a key document.
Our team of experts will help you get a reliable site plan for permits within 24 hours, facilitating a smooth and compliant permit approval timeline and demo process.
If you need more information on this, feel free to contact us.
References:
1. https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/
2. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/permits/svcs/demo-permits.html
3. https://www.portland.gov/ppd/residential-permitting/residential-projects/demolition-permits
4. https://www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/permits/non-residential-permits/demolition-permit
5. https://www.parkcountyco.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=109
6. https://www.effinghamil.com/demolition-permits/
7. https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/permits/demolition-permits.cfm#
