Shed permit rules in Austin, TX — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
One-story detached residential sheds 200 sq ft or smaller and 15 ft or shorter in height are exempt from a building permit, provided they have no plumbing, are not a dwelling, and are not in a flood hazard area.
Under Austin's adopted building code, a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool shed, storage shed, playhouse, or similar use is exempt from a building permit when the floor area does not exceed 200 sq ft, the height does not exceed 15 feet, and the structure does not contain plumbing or function as a dwelling. The same exemption is unavailable inside designated flood hazard areas - any shed in a floodplain requires permit review regardless of size. Even when permit-exempt, sheds must comply with zoning setbacks and impervious cover rules in the Land Development Code. Any shed that includes plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work requires the corresponding trade permits even when the structure itself is under the permit threshold. Commercial accessory structures use a stricter 120 sq ft exemption threshold.
Building in a flood hazard area without a permit, exceeding 200 sq ft, exceeding 15 feet, or adding plumbing without permits triggers code enforcement and possible removal orders. Setback violations under the Land Development Code apply even to permit-exempt structures.
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See how Austin's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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