Arlington requires a building permit for accessory structures larger than 200 square feet under the 2018 IRC. Sheds must observe 3-foot side and 5-foot rear setbacks from property lines and may not exceed 15 feet in ridge height. Permits are filed through Arlington Online Permitting (OpenGov portal) and reviewed by Inspectional Services.
The Town of Arlington's Inspectional Services Department administers accessory-structure permits under the Massachusetts State Building Code 9th/10th Edition (780 CMR) and the local zoning bylaw. Sheds up to 200 square feet are typically exempt from a full building permit but must still comply with zoning setback and lot-coverage rules. Structures 200 square feet or larger must comply with the 2018 IRC and require a building permit, contractor's proposal showing scope and cost, and a current plat of survey. Maximum ridge height for sheds/gazebos is 15 feet. Setbacks from interior lot lines are 3 feet (side) and 5 feet (rear); corner lots require Planning review. Applications are filed through the town's OpenGov-based online permitting portal.
Constructing a shed without required permits or in violation of setbacks can result in a stop-work order, a notice to remove or relocate the structure, and citations under the Arlington zoning bylaw. Repeat violations may be referred to the Town Counsel.
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See how Arlington's shed & outbuilding permits rules stack up against other locations.
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