North Haven, CT Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

North Haven adopts the Connecticut State Building Code, which exempts one-story detached sheds of 200 square feet or less from a building permit under §R105.2 of the IRC as amended. Any shed, regardless of size, still requires a zoning permit from the North Haven Land Use Office for compliance with Section 13 of the Zoning Regulations. Section 13 establishes minimum side and rear yard setbacks for accessory structures in residential zones (typically equal to the principal building setback for the underlying district, with reduced setbacks for small accessory buildings). Sheds 200 sq ft and under generally cannot be placed in the front yard, must observe a minimum side/rear setback (commonly 5 feet for small accessory buildings under the district matrix), and cannot exceed a height of 15 feet. Sheds larger than 200 square feet require both a zoning permit AND a building permit, including foundation inspection and structural review under the 2022 Connecticut State Building Code. Electrical service to a shed triggers a separate electrical permit under the Connecticut State Electrical Code. Confirm the exact district setbacks for your zone (R-12, R-20, R-40, R-1, etc.) before pouring a slab or placing a prefab shed.