Shed permit rules in Chesterfield County, VA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
A shed up to 256 square feet needs no building permit in Chesterfield, but larger sheds do. All sheds must be anchored and meet Zoning Ordinance setbacks from every property line. Adding electricity requires a separate electrical permit.
The county follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. A shed is a detached, one-story structure for tool storage or similar use, no taller than 10 feet at the eave and no more than 18 inches off the ground. Sheds of 257 square feet or larger require a building permit; those 256 square feet or smaller do not, but must still be anchored and comply with zoning setbacks (call Planning at 748-1050 for setback and easement requirements). No buildings may be placed in a floodplain. Adding electricity, plumbing or heat triggers additional permits.
Building an oversized shed without a permit, placing it in a floodplain, or violating setbacks can require removal or relocation plus civil penalties under the building code.
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