Spring Hill, FL Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Hernando County substantially streamlined its shed regulations through Ordinance 26-38 in 2024. The current rules under Appendix A Article II Section 2 (General Regulations) and Article IV (zoning district setbacks) are: (1) Permit threshold — sheds with impervious roof coverings of 120 sq ft (12 ft x 10 ft) or less no longer require a zoning permit, provided all other regulations are met; sheds larger than 120 sq ft or with pervious roofs over 200 sq ft require a zoning permit from Hernando County Building Division; sheds over 600 sq ft additionally trigger Florida Building Code structural review; (2) Maximum wall height — 8 ft (raised from the previous 5-ft limit); (3) Setbacks — minimum 5 ft from side and rear property lines in all residential districts; (4) Front-yard placement — accessory structures must sit behind the principal building's front building line in all residential districts; accessory structures in a secondary front yard (corner lot) must meet the principal-building front yard setback for the district (typically 25 ft in R-1A/R-1B/R-1C/R-2.5, with 20-ft exception for lots created prior to Ordinance 72-3 or lots with waterway to rear); (5) Use limitation — a shed cannot function as a dwelling or living space; (6) Number per lot — the zoning district may limit the number of sheds per property (verify with Zoning Division); (7) Same parcel — the shed must be located on the same parcel as the principal use; (8) Easements/floodplain — placement in easements, rights-of-way, or floodplain requires compliance with applicable floodplain regulations under Hernando County Code Chapter 9; (9) Utilities — any electrical, plumbing, or concrete work requires separate building permits regardless of shed size; (10) Materials — most residential districts permit sheds in metal, wood, vinyl, or composite materials; HOA covenants in Spring Hill subdivisions (Timber Pines, Glen Lakes, Wellington at Seven Hills, Silverthorn, Sterling Hill) frequently impose stricter aesthetic standards (matching siding/roof, paint colors, screening) than the county code. Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020) Section R105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, playhouses, or similar uses up to 120 sq ft from a state building permit if no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems are added. The 5-ft setback applies regardless of shed size.