Atlanta, GA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Atlanta, GA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Max height
- 20 feet in R-1 through R-5
- Max rear-yard coverage
- 25% of the rear yard
- Max floor area
- 30% of main house area
- Build timing
- After principal house starts
- Permitted use
- No dwelling or lodging use
Summary
Backyard sheds and other accessory buildings in Atlanta's R-1 through R-5 districts cap out at 20 feet tall, 25% of the rear yard, and 30% of the main house's floor area, and construction can't start until the principal house does.
Accessory buildings in R-1 through R-5 districts shall not exceed 20 feet in height, shall not cover more than 25 percent of the area of the rear yard, and shall not contain a total floor area greater than 30 percent of the main structure. For purposes of calculating the total floor area of the main structure, the definition of residential floor area set forth in the first sentence of section 16-29.001(13)(a) shall apply, except where modified by the provisions of 16-24.008. For purposes of calculating the total floor area of the accessory building, all gross floor area of the accessory building shall be included whether or not it is conditioned or habitable.(4)"Amenity areas" as defined in section 15-06.001(c) that lie within subdivisions reviewed and approved pursuant to part 15, shall be authorized as accessory uses and structures in the R-1 through R-5 districts, and in single and two-family subdivisions in the RG and MR districts, and may be used and platted as an irregular lot within such subdivisions provided said lot continues to be used exclusively for an amenity area pursuant to part 15. Should such lot cease to be used as an amenity area, it shall be used only for the purposes of "open space" within the meaning of section 15-06.001(z). (Code 1977, § 16-28.004; Ord. No. 2018-11(18-O-1023), §§ 2, 3.E, 5-16-18)
Full Breakdown
Atlanta zoning treats a shed, greenhouse, or detached garage as an accessory structure under Code of Ordinances § 16-28.004, which applies citywide across the R-1 through R-5 single- and two-family districts. The structure can't exceed 20 feet in height, can't cover more than 25 percent of the required rear yard, and can't hold more floor area than 30 percent of the main house's residential floor area. It also can't be built until the principal house's construction has actually begun, and it can't be used as a dwelling or lodging unit. Bigger sheds and garages draw a building permit fee billed per square foot.
Violations & Fines
Atlanta's Office of Buildings and Department of City Planning enforce these limits. An oversized, prematurely built, or unpermitted accessory structure can be cited, with the Code's general penalty (§ 1-8) allowing fines up to $1,000 plus orders to remove or correct the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a backyard shed be in Atlanta?
Can I put up a shed before my house is built?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
How Atlanta compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Atlanta to another location·View the Georgia accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle shed & carport rules.