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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
New York, NY
The NYC Noise Code prohibits excessive muffler/exhaust sound from motor vehicles on roads with a 35 mph or lower speed limit - defined by 'plainly audible' d...
New York, NY
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-235, an animal owner may not permit unreasonable animal noise that is plainly audible inside any nearby residential property for 10...
New York, NY
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-222, construction work is unlawful except on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Limited weekend work (Sat/Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)...
New York, NY
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-231, music from a commercial establishment may not exceed 42 dB(A) measured inside any nearby residential dwelling unit, nor 45 dB ...
New York, NY
New York City has no blanket 'quiet hours' curfew, but the Noise Code's general prohibition (Admin. Code Sec. 24-218) makes it unlawful to make any unreasona...
New York, NY
New York City bars street storage of boat trailers, mobile homes, and mobile medical diagnostic vehicles: under 34 RCNY 4-08(m)(8) none may be parked on any ...
See how New York's shed & outbuilding permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.