Shed permit rules in Travis County, TX — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Unincorporated Travis County has no shed permit requirement (no zoning authority). Austin requires permits for sheds over 200 sq ft under 2021 IRC R105.2. Sheds under 200 sq ft are permit-exempt but must meet setbacks. HOAs commonly require design review for sheds regardless of size.
Texas counties lack general building code adoption authority, so unincorporated Travis County has no shed size limits or permit requirements beyond septic drain field setbacks (TCEQ 285 requires 10 ft from drain lines). Austin City Code and IRC R105.2 exempt one-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft from permit requirements, but zoning setbacks still apply (typically 5 ft side/rear in SF zones). Sheds over 200 sq ft require full building permit, structural review, and inspection. Austin limits total impervious cover (45 percent in SF-2, higher in newer HOME designations). HOAs in Steiner Ranch, Circle C, Avery Ranch, Barton Creek typically require Architectural Review Committee approval before construction regardless of size.
Austin unpermitted shed over 200 sf: stop-work, double fees, up to 2,000 dollar daily fine. HOA: per deed, often removal order plus 500-2,000 dollar fines. Unincorporated non-HOA: no enforcement unless septic violation.
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