Shed permit rules in Prince William County, VA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Prince William County caps all detached accessory structures on a lot at 576 total square feet, or 30 percent of the house's floor area if greater. Sheds must sit in a side or rear yard, at least five feet from side and rear property lines and five feet from the
Section 32-300.03 of the Zoning Ordinance governs detached accessory buildings in agricultural and residential districts. The cumulative floor area of all such structures is limited (576 sq ft or 30% of the principal building). Sheds may only be located in side or rear yards. In a rear yard they must be five feet from side and rear lines; in a side yard they must meet the principal-structure setbacks for the district. On a corner lot, a minimum 20-foot setback applies to the side lot line adjacent to the side street. A shed 256 sq ft or larger, or over a set height, typically needs a building permit; zoning approval is required in most cases.
Building a shed that exceeds the size cap or violates setbacks is a zoning violation; the county can require relocation or removal and assess civil penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Weeds over 12 inches tall are prohibited on developed residential and commercial lots of two acres or less. The rule is enforced by Neighborhood Services und...
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