Shed Rules: Green Valley vs Tucson
How do shed rules rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Green Valley has fewer restrictions than Tucson.
Green Valley, AZ
Pima County
Pima County allows storage sheds as accessory structures in all residential zones. Sheds under 200 square feet and not on a permanent foundation typically do not require a building permit. Larger sheds require permits and must meet setback requirements. All sheds must comply with wind and tie-down requirements for the Sonoran Desert climate.
View full Green Valley rules →Tucson, AZ
Pima County
Tucson Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 6.6.2 governs detached residential accessory buildings such as sheds. Detached accessory structures, except accessory dwelling units, may not exceed 12 feet in height. The total gross floor area of all accessory structures may not exceed 50% of the principal structure's gross floor area. A building permit through Planning and Development Services (PDSD) is required for sheds beyond the small unconditioned-storage exemption, and Tucson IRC adoption applies to construction.
View full Tucson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Exempt | Under 200 sq ft, no foundation/utilities | - |
| Setbacks | 5 feet side/rear typical | - |
| Wind Anchoring | Required for monsoon microbursts | - |
| Floodplain | Cannot place in drainage easements | - |
| Large Sheds | 200+ sq ft requires building permit | - |
| Code Section | - | Tucson UDC Sec. 6.6.2 |
| Height Limit (detached) | - | 12 ft (except ADUs) |
| Cumulative Floor Area | - | Up to 50% of principal structure GFA |
| Building Code | - | IRC as adopted by City of Tucson |
| Permit Authority | - | Tucson Planning & Development Services (PDSD) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Green Valley FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small storage shed?
Sheds under 200 square feet without a permanent foundation, electrical, or plumbing connections are generally exempt from building permits in Pima County. They must still meet setback requirements.
How far from the property line must my shed be?
Typically 5 feet from side and rear property lines. Front-yard setbacks vary by zoning district. Sheds cannot be placed in drainage easements or floodways.
Tucson FAQ
How tall can a shed be in Tucson?
UDC Section 6.6.2 limits detached accessory buildings and structures, except accessory dwelling units, to 12 feet in height. If a shed is attached to the principal structure, it may match the principal structure's allowed height for the zoning district.
Do I need a permit for a shed in Tucson?
Under the IRC as adopted by Tucson, one-story detached storage sheds at or below 200 square feet typically do not require a building permit, but they must still meet UDC Section 6.6.2 height limits, the 50% combined floor area cap, and the setback and lot-coverage rules of your zoning district. Larger sheds, sheds with electrical or plumbing, or sheds on a permanent foundation require a permit from Planning and Development Services.
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