Shed permit rules in Monroe County, NY — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Shed permit requirements in Monroe County are handled by each town or city. New York State Building Code requires permits for sheds over 144 square feet. Many Monroe County towns require permits for sheds of all sizes or set lower thresholds.
Monroe County does not issue shed permits — permits are handled by each local town or city building department. Under New York State Building Code, a building permit is required for any detached accessory structure larger than 144 square feet. Monroe County municipalities often have stricter requirements: some (like Webster) require permits for all sheds regardless of size. In Rochester, sheds under 144 square feet do not require a permit but must comply with placement and height rules (rear yard placement, 15-foot maximum height). Typical setback requirements for sheds range from 5 to 15 feet from property lines. Sheds cannot be used for commercial purposes or habitation. Placement within utility or drainage easements is typically prohibited. Always contact your specific town's building department for current requirements.
Building a shed without a required permit can result in violations, fines, and required removal or legalization.
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See how Monroe County's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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