Boulder County, CO Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Boulder County, CO, 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
- Permit-free size
- 120 sq ft (200 sq ft ag loafing
- Height cap (exempt)
- 12 feet, no utilities
- Number allowed
- 1 on <=0.5 ac, 2 up to 10
- Setbacks
- Must meet zoning yard setbacks
- Source
- Boulder County publication B05
Summary
In unincorporated Boulder County a one-story detached storage shed 120 square feet or smaller (200 sq ft for an agricultural loafing shed) needs no building permit if it is under 12 feet tall, has no utilities, and meets zoning setbacks. Larger sheds require a building permit. Parcel size limits how
One-story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds do not require a building permit if the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, except agricultural loafing sheds, which may not exceed 200 square feet.
Full Breakdown
Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting (publication B05) exempts a one-story detached accessory structure used as a storage shed from a building permit when its floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (agricultural loafing sheds up to 200 sq ft), the height does not exceed 12 feet, it has no utilities, and it does not violate any land use approval or conservation easement. The number of permit-exempt structures depends on parcel size: one on parcels 0.5 acre or less, and two on parcels over 0.5 acre but under ten acres. Even permit-exempt sheds must still meet the zoning district's yard setbacks. Any shed over the exempt size, or with electricity or plumbing, needs a building permit.
Violations & Fines
Building an oversized or utility-served shed without a permit is a building/zoning violation; the county can issue stop-work orders, require permitting or removal, and assess fines under Article 4-1300.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed?
Can I run electricity to a permit-free shed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boulder County
How Boulder County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Boulder County to another location·View the Colorado accessory structures overview
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