Shed Rules: Manchester vs Nashua

Do I need a permit to build a shed?

Small sheds under 120 to 200 sq ft are often permit-exempt in NH. Check Manchester building department for the specific threshold.

How close can a shed be to the property line?

Setback requirements vary by zone, typically 5 to 15 feet. Even permit-exempt sheds must meet Manchester zoning setbacks.

Do I need a permit for a backyard shed in Nashua?

Two-part answer. A building permit is NOT required for a one-story shed of 200 sq ft or less with no plumbing, electrical, or HVAC — that's the standard NH State Building Code / IRC exemption. BUT a Land Use Permit (zoning sign-off) IS required for any size shed in Nashua. You file a Building and Land Use Application with the Department of Building Safety along with a Plot Plan showing the shed's location and setbacks. Sheds over 200 sq ft, or with electrical service, require both a building permit and the zoning Land Use Permit.

How close can a shed be to my Nashua property line?

Typically 4 feet from the side or rear property line under Nashua's Land Use Code Sec. 190-31 (Accessory Buildings) — the same setback Sec. 190-32 uses for detached ADUs. The shed must also sit behind the front facade of the principal building (no shed in the front yard) and may not exceed the height of the principal building. Confirm the exact setback for your zoning district (R-40, R-30, R-18, R-9, R-A, R-B, R-C) with the Department of Building Safety because corner lots and some districts have additional side-street setbacks under Sec. 190-16.