Shed permit rules in Philadelphia County, PA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Philadelphia County requires zoning review for sheds but exempts structures under 100 sq ft from building permits. Setbacks typically 3 feet from side and rear property lines in residential districts. Max height 15 feet under Zoning Code Section 14-604.
Philadelphia Zoning Code Section 14-604 (Accessory Uses and Structures) regulates sheds and similar accessory buildings. In residential districts, maximum height is 15 feet and setbacks are typically 3 feet from side and rear lot lines, with front-yard placement prohibited. Building permits are required for sheds over 100 square feet under the Philadelphia Building Code (Subcode B). Zoning permits may be required regardless of size to verify compliance with use and location rules. Electrical connections require separate permit.
Unpermitted shed over 100 sq ft: $300-$1,500 fine plus removal or after-the-fact permit. Setback violations: requirement to relocate or obtain variance.
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia Code Title 12 prohibits parking recreational vehicles, trailers, and boats on city streets for more than 24 hours. No overnight on-street RV par...
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) enforces on-street parking under Phila Code Title 12. Residential Permit Parking program covers 35+ neighborhoods. Meter...
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia County permits residential recreational fire pits with restrictions. Fires must be in approved containers, small in size, use clean dry wood onl...
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia County prohibits the discharge of consumer fireworks within most of the city due to density restrictions. PA Act 43 of 2017 legalized consumer f...
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia County requires property owners to maintain lots free of accumulated combustible vegetation, weeds, and debris under the Philadelphia Property M...
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia County prohibits open burning of yard waste, leaves, trash, and construction debris under the Philadelphia Air Management Code. Only small recre...
See how Philadelphia County's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.