Lower Paxton, PA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Lower Paxton, 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
- Shed setback
- 7.5 feet from any property line
- Shed height
- 15 feet in every lot-size bracket
- Living space
- No part of a shed can be a residential living area
- Residential lots under two acres
- 1,000 square feet total, two accessory buildings
- Permit
- Zoning permit from the Zoning Officer before building
- Civil penalty
- Not more than $500 plus costs, each day separate
Summary
In Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, a residential shed must sit at least 7.5 feet from every property line, cannot be occupied as living space, and is capped at 15 feet tall on every lot size. Residential lots under two acres also carry a 1,000 square foot ceiling on all accessory buildings combined and a limit of two accessory buildings.
H. Sheds. (1) No part of a shed shall be occupied as a residential living area. (2) All sheds shall be set back a minimum of 7.5 feet from any property line. (3) The maximum size and height of sheds are listed in the Table of Shed Size and Heights (Table 14). Table 14: Table of Shed Height Lot size Height of Structure Lots ≤ 0.5 acres 15 ft. Lots > 0.5 acre ≤ 1 acres 15 ft. Lots > 1 acres 15 ft.
Full Breakdown
The Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors regulates sheds in Chapter 203, the township zoning chapter. Section 203-314(H) holds the shed-specific standards, and § 203-313 adds general standards that apply to every accessory structure. The code defines a shed as a detached accessory structure incidental to a permitted residential structure, used to store household goods, tools, or equipment, and the definition expressly includes tool sheds, residential greenhouses, and pool equipment structures. A detached storage structure for a nonresidential use is a storage building instead and follows § 203-314(J).
Location: a shed needs 7.5 feet from any property line, which is wider than the five-foot side and rear line that § 203-313(C)(2) sets for accessory structures in general. Under § 203-313(C)(1), accessory structures other than authorized signs and fences stay out of the required front yard in every zoning district.
Height: Table 14 lists 15 feet for lots up to 0.5 acre, for lots over 0.5 acre up to 1 acre, and for lots over 1 acre. Separately, § 203-313(H) says an accessory structure shall not exceed the height of the principal structure unless it is directly related to an agricultural operation.
Size and count: § 203-313(G) caps accessory buildings in a residential district on a lot of less than two acres at 1,000 square feet of total floor area for all accessory buildings, with a maximum of two accessory buildings per lot. Accessory structures also count toward the maximum lot coverage for the zoning district under § 203-313(E).
Sequence and attachment: § 203-313(I) bars building an accessory structure before the principal structure is completed or the principal use is established. A shed attached to the house is treated as part of the house and must meet every requirement for the principal structure under § 203-313(B).
Permit: § 203-1202(A) requires a zoning permit before the erection or construction of any structure. The application goes in writing to the Zoning Officer, who must grant or refuse it within 60 days. The permit expires one year after issuance and can be extended for one additional year on a written request showing good cause. Fees are set by Board of Supervisors resolution, and no application counts as filed until the fees are paid under § 203-1204.
Violations & Fines
Building a shed without a zoning permit is a listed violation under § 203-1205(B)(1). Starting work before the permit doubles the permit fee under § 203-1202(K). The Zoning Officer sends an enforcement notice that states a compliance deadline and gives 30 days to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. A civil judgment is not more than $500 plus court costs and attorney's fees, each day of continued violation counts separately, and imprisonment is not authorized.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must a shed be from the property line in Lower Paxton Township?
How tall can a shed be in Lower Paxton Township?
Can a shed be used as a bedroom or apartment?
Does a shed in Lower Paxton Township need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lower Paxton
How Lower Paxton compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Lower Paxton to another location·View the Pennsylvania accessory structures overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.