Durham, NC Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Under Durham UDO Section 5.4.1, all accessory structures including storage sheds require a building permit from the City-County Building and Safety Department. Sheds cannot be placed in the front yard and must be located behind the front building line in most residential districts. A minimum 5-foot setback from rear and side property lines is required for structures under 15 feet in height. Structures 15 feet or taller require a 10-foot setback from property lines. In RU and RC districts, the minimum setback is reduced to 3 feet. For sheds 12 feet or less on any side, only two copies of a site plan are needed. Sheds exceeding 12 feet on any side require two copies of structural drawings meeting the NC State Building Code plus an application with plot plan. The drawings do not need to be prepared by an engineer or architect but must be accurate. Accessory structures cannot exceed the primary structure in total square footage. On corner lots where the rear or side yard abuts a street, the setback must equal or exceed the front yard minimum for that zone.