In NYC, temporary portable freestanding sheds on one- or two-family dwellings are exempt from permits if they are 120 sq ft or less, no taller than 7 ft 6 in, not within 3 ft of lot lines, do not obstruct windows, and there is only one shed per tax lot. Larger sheds require DOB permits.
Under the NYC Building Code, a temporary portable freestanding shed erected accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling is exempt from building permit requirements provided all of the following conditions are met: the shed does not exceed 120 square feet in area; it is not more than 7 feet 6 inches in height; it does not obstruct any required window; it is not located within 3 feet of any lot line; it is used only for storage of normal household goods or tools; and there is no more than one shed per tax lot. Sheds exceeding these dimensions require a building permit from DOB. The minimum filing fee for a DOB permit is $130 (as of 2025). Sheds must also comply with NYC Zoning Resolution requirements for accessory structures, including lot coverage and setback requirements. Electrical work in a shed requires a separate electrical permit regardless of shed size.
Building a shed without a required permit is a violation of NYC Administrative Code Section 28-105.1, with civil penalties up to $25,000. DOB may issue a stop-work order and require removal of non-compliant structures. Additional penalties may apply for zoning violations.
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