Shed permit rules in Gwinnett County, GA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Unincorporated Gwinnett typically exempts sheds under 120 square feet from building permits, though zoning setbacks still apply. Larger sheds require building permits. Common accessory structure setbacks: 5-10 feet from side/rear property lines depending on zone.
Per the Georgia Residential Code (adopting IRC §105.2), detached accessory structures (sheds) not exceeding 120 square feet and without utility connections are generally exempt from building permit requirements. However, zoning rules still apply: the shed must meet accessory structure setbacks for the zoning district, cannot be placed in easements or over septic fields, and must comply with lot coverage limits. Gwinnett UDO accessory structure setbacks typically run 5-10 feet from rear/side lot lines in R-100, with different rules in RA-200 (larger), R-TH, and RM. Sheds over 120 sq ft or with electrical/plumbing require a building permit and must meet foundation, anchoring, and wind load requirements. Height limits for accessory structures usually 15-20 feet or tied to the primary dwelling height. Multiple sheds count toward total accessory building coverage limits.
Sheds violating setbacks may require relocation; unpermitted larger sheds face stop-work orders and fines.
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See how Gwinnett County's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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