Shed permit rules in Raleigh, NC — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Sheds 12 feet by 12 feet (144 square feet) or smaller do not require a building permit in Raleigh, but all sheds regardless of size must comply with UDO setbacks: 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and placement in rear or interior side yards only. Sheds larger than 12x12 require a building permit and must meet the NC Residential Code for anchoring and wind load (115 mph basic wind speed for Wake County).
Raleigh's approach to sheds is governed by UDO Section 1.5.7 for zoning compliance and NC Residential Code Section R105.2 for the building permit threshold. The state residential code exempts one-story accessory structures up to 12 feet by 12 feet (144 square feet) from building permits, and Raleigh adopts this threshold. However, even permit-exempt sheds must comply with zoning rules: they must sit in the rear yard or interior side yard (never the front yard or street-side yard on corner lots), maintain a 5-foot setback from side and rear property lines, and not encroach into recorded easements. Maximum accessory structure height is 15 feet for permit-exempt sheds and 20 feet for permitted accessory buildings. Sheds over 144 square feet require a building permit, engineered anchoring for Wake County's 115 mph wind speed rating (Exposure B or C depending on site), and inspection of the foundation or concrete slab. Prefabricated metal and resin sheds still need zoning compliance but usually come with manufacturer anchoring kits that satisfy wind load. Sheds over 600 square feet trigger additional requirements including possible site plan review, stormwater management if impervious surface thresholds are crossed, and architectural compatibility review in certain historic or overlay districts like Oakwood, Boylan Heights, and Blount Street. HOA review is common in Raleigh's many planned communities; covenants frequently restrict shed materials (no metal, matching siding to house), colors, and roof pitch. Sheds cannot be used as dwelling units or for commercial storage of hazardous materials.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Raleigh code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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