Shed permit rules in Houston, TX — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Houston exempts accessory structures under 200 sq ft and 15 ft tall from building permits. Larger structures require permits. Setbacks are 5 feet from side and rear property lines (10 ft rear if over 15 ft tall). Must be behind the front building line.
Under the Houston Amendments to the International Residential Code, accessory structures that are not of masonry construction, do not contain electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems, and are under 200 square feet and 15 feet tall are generally exempt from building permits. Larger sheds and storage buildings require a building permit and must comply with setback requirements: 5 feet from side and rear property lines for structures under 15 feet tall, and 10 feet from the rear property line for taller structures. All accessory structures must be located behind the front building line (25 feet for residential lots on blocks over 600 feet long, 10 feet for shorter blocks). Properties in flood zones require additional floodplain development permits. Deed restrictions often impose additional limits on size, placement, and appearance.
Building without required permit: stop-work order. Setback violations: correction order. Deed restriction violations: civil enforcement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle shed rules.
See how Houston's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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