Shed permit rules in Wilmington, DE — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Sheds in Wilmington require permits if they exceed a certain square footage. Small utility sheds may be exempt. Sheds must comply with rear/side yard setbacks.
Under Wilmington's building regulations (Ch. 4) and zoning (Ch. 48), sheds and accessory storage structures over 120–200 square feet (exact threshold determined by building dept.) require a building permit. All sheds must be placed in rear or side yards, meeting required setbacks from property lines. Sheds may not be used for habitation. Utility sheds not exceeding the exempt threshold can be placed without a permit but must still comply with setbacks.
Unpermitted sheds above the threshold must be permitted or removed. Sheds violating setbacks require relocation or variance.
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See how Wilmington's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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