Rockland County, NY Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Rockland County shed rules vary by town under NYS Uniform Code §1225.1 exemptions. Clarkstown Town Code §290 exempts one-story accessory structures up to 144 sq ft (gross floor area) from building permits, provided they meet setback requirements and have no plumbing or electrical. Ramapo Town Code §376 exempts sheds under 144 sq ft with similar conditions. Orangetown Chapter 43 typically exempts sheds under 100 sq ft. All sheds must meet zoning setbacks: typically 5 feet side and rear in R-15 and smaller residential zones, 10 feet in larger-lot zones, and must not encroach on front yard setbacks. Sheds cannot be used for human habitation or sleeping under NYS Uniform Building Code. Electrical connections require electrical permits regardless of shed size. Maximum height typically 15 feet. Village of Nyack, Piermont (historic districts), and Tappan historic district require HDC/ARB approval for visible accessory structures. Hudson River flood zone properties in Piermont, Nyack, and Haverstraw must elevate sheds per FEMA NFIP requirements. Sheds used for commercial storage of home business materials fall under home-occupation rules. Orthodox sukkot (temporary ritual structures) erected for the Sukkot holiday in Monsey/Spring Valley are exempted as temporary structures (under 30 days, no permit needed).