Shed permit rules in Boston, MA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Boston regulates sheds through zoning dimensional requirements in Article 13. Small sheds under 120 square feet may not require a building permit but must meet setback requirements.
Shed construction in Boston is governed by the zoning code Article 13 dimensional requirements and 780 CMR state building code. Under the state code, structures under 120 square feet and single-story generally do not require a building permit, but must still comply with local zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage restrictions. Larger sheds require building permits from Inspectional Services. Sheds in historic districts may need Landmarks Commission review. Sheds cannot be used as dwelling units without proper ADU conversion and permitting. Storage of hazardous materials in sheds requires fire code compliance.
Oversized unpermitted sheds face ISD enforcement. Setback violations require relocation or removal. Using a shed as living space without permits is a serious zoning violation.
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle shed rules.
See how Boston's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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