Montgomery County, PA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Montgomery 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.
Key Facts
- County shed rule
- None: municipal only
- Governing law
- PA MPC Section 603(b)
- Common small-shed exemption
- Under 200 sq ft (varies)
- Setbacks
- Set by local ordinance
- Who to ask
- Township/borough zoning officer
Summary
Montgomery County sets no shed rule. Whether a shed needs a zoning or building permit, and how far it must sit from lot lines, is decided by your borough or township. Many PA municipalities exempt small sheds under 200 sq ft.
Zoning ordinances... may permit, prohibit, regulate, restrict and determine:... Size, height, bulk, location, erection, construction, repair, maintenance, alteration, razing, removal and use of structures.
Full Breakdown
There is no countywide shed ordinance. Under MPC Section 603(b), each Montgomery County borough or township regulates the 'size, height... location... and use of structures,' including detached sheds. A common local approach is to exempt very small accessory structures from zoning permits while still requiring compliance with setback (side and rear yard) rules. For example, Lower Merion Township does not require a zoning permit for accessory structures under 200 square feet, but setback standards still apply. Rules differ in every municipality, so confirm the permit threshold, maximum height and required setbacks with your local zoning officer before building.
Violations & Fines
A shed that violates local setback or permit rules is a municipal zoning violation; the borough or township may order relocation or removal and impose daily fines under its ordinance. The county does not enforce shed rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a shed in Montgomery County?
Is there a county shed setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
How Montgomery County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Pennsylvania accessory structures overview
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