Erie, PA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Erie, PA, 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
- Code Section
- Zoning Ordinance Sec. 205.18
- Max size / height
- 720 sq ft / 15 ft ('R' districts)
- Setbacks
- 6 ft from dwelling/alley, 3 ft from side/rear line
- Small-shed exemption
- 100 sq ft or less (zoning); 1,000 sq ft (PA UCC)
Summary
In Erie's 'R' districts a detached accessory building (shed) must sit in the side or rear yard, at least 6 ft from any dwelling or alley and 3 ft from side/rear lot lines, and may be no larger than 720 sq ft or 15 ft tall. Sheds 100 sq ft or smaller are exempt from setback and lot-coverage limits, and under PA state law a shed under 1,000 sq ft accessory to a one-family home needs no state building permit.
205.18 In any "R" District detached accessory buildings shall be located in the side or rear yard of the principal building, at least six (6) feet from any dwelling or alley, at least three (3) feet from any side and/or rear property line. Detached accessory buildings shall be no larger than seven hundred and twenty (720) square feet in size or 15 feet in height. (See illustration No 1 - p. 140) Accessory structures located less than six (6) feet from the principal structure shall be considered attached and must conform to the setback requirements of Section 205. No requirement for maximum building coverage or setbacks contained in this ordinance shall prevent the construction of a shed which does not exceed 100 square feet in size.
In all other zoning districts, detached accessory buildings shall meet the setback, height and lot coverage requirements for that district and shall be located in the side or rear yard setback area.
Full Breakdown
18 of the City of Erie Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 80-2005) governs sheds and other detached accessory buildings. In any 'R' (residential) district such buildings must be located in the side or rear yard of the principal building, at least 6 ft from any dwelling or alley and at least 3 ft from any side and/or rear property line, and may be no larger than 720 square feet in size or 15 feet in height. A small shed not exceeding 100 square feet is expressly exempt from the ordinance's maximum building-coverage and setback requirements.
An accessory structure located less than 6 ft from the principal structure is treated as 'attached' and must meet the Section 205 setbacks. In non-residential districts, detached accessory buildings must instead meet that district's setback, height and lot-coverage rules. On the state side, the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code exempts a shed (or other listed accessory structure) under 1,000 square feet that is accessory to a detached one-family dwelling from the statewide building code (34 Pa. Code Sec. 1(b)(3)), though a city zoning permit is still required.
Violations & Fines
A non-compliant shed must be relocated, reduced in size, or removed to meet the side/rear-yard and setback rules. Zoning violations are enforced under Sec. 403 by civil action with a judgment up to $500 per day plus costs and attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a shed be in Erie without setbacks applying?
Do I need a building permit for a shed in Erie?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Erie
How Erie compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Erie to another location·View the Pennsylvania accessory structures overview
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