When Do You Need a Permit for a Shed? A City-by-City Guide

A storage shed is one of the most straightforward backyard projects a homeowner can take on. Buy the kit or draw up a plan, pick a spot, and build. But in most cities, building a shed without checking the permit requirements first is a gamble that can result in fines, forced removal, or problems when you sell your home. The rules around shed permits are surprisingly specific, and the threshold for when a permit is required varies significantly by city.

The size threshold is the first question

Most cities set a square footage threshold below which a shed is exempt from a building permit. The most common exemption is for structures under 120 square feet, which aligns with the International Residential Code's threshold for accessory structures. But many cities have adopted different thresholds. Some exempt structures under 100 square feet. A few set the bar at 200 square feet. And some cities, particularly those with strict zoning enforcement, require permits for any detached structure regardless of size. Before you buy materials, look up your city's specific threshold. The building department's website usually lists accessory structure requirements clearly.

Height matters too

Even if your shed falls below the square footage threshold for a permit, height restrictions may still apply. Most cities limit accessory structure heights to between 10 and 15 feet, and structures that exceed the height limit require a permit regardless of their footprint. If you are building a shed with a loft, a steep roof pitch, or a second story, the height limit becomes the controlling factor. Some cities measure height differently: to the peak of the roof versus to the midpoint of the roof versus to the eave. The measurement method matters when you are close to the limit.

Setback requirements apply with or without a permit

Whether or not your shed requires a building permit, it must comply with your city's setback requirements. Setbacks define how close a structure can be to property lines, easements, and other buildings on the lot. Typical setbacks for accessory structures are three to five feet from side and rear property lines, though some cities require more. Corner lots often have additional setback requirements for the side that faces a street. Placing a shed in a utility easement or too close to a property line can result in a removal order from code enforcement, even if the shed is otherwise exempt from permitting.

The foundation question

A shed sitting on a gravel pad or concrete blocks is treated differently than a shed on a permanent concrete foundation in many jurisdictions. Structures on permanent foundations are more likely to require permits, engineering, and inspections. If you are building a simple storage shed, a gravel base or concrete block foundation may keep you below the permit threshold while providing adequate support. If you are building a larger structure that functions as a workshop with electricity and workbenches, you are likely in permit territory regardless of the foundation type.

Electrical and plumbing trigger permit requirements

If your shed will have electrical service, plumbing, or any mechanical systems, you need permits for those systems even if the structure itself is exempt. Running electrical to a shed requires an electrical permit and inspection. Plumbing requires its own permit. These permits exist because improperly installed electrical and plumbing systems in outbuildings create fire and safety hazards. Do not assume that a small shed with a single light and outlet can skip the electrical permit. Inspectors look for this.

HOA and deed restrictions add another layer

Even if your city does not require a permit, your homeowners association may have its own approval process for accessory structures. HOA architectural review committees commonly regulate the size, placement, height, materials, and color of sheds. Some HOAs prohibit them entirely in certain areas of the property, such as visible from the street. Deed restrictions, which run with the property regardless of HOA membership, can impose similar limitations. Check your CC&Rs and any deed restrictions before building.

The cost of getting it wrong

Building a shed without a required permit is a code violation that most cities enforce when reported by neighbors, discovered during home inspections, or noticed during aerial survey updates. The typical outcome is a stop-work order, a requirement to obtain the permit retroactively which often includes higher fees, and an inspection of the completed work. If the shed does not meet code, you may be required to modify or remove it. When selling your home, an unpermitted shed can delay or complicate the transaction. The small investment of time and money to check requirements and pull a permit when needed prevents all of these problems.