Queens County, NY Permit Requirements: Shed & Outbuilding Permits (2026)

Under NYC DOB Rules (1 RCNY §101-14), temporary portable freestanding sheds on the same zoning lot as a one- or two-family dwelling are exempt from permits if they meet all of these criteria: floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, height does not exceed 7 feet 6 inches, the shed does not obstruct any required window, it is located at least 3 feet from any lot line, it is used for storage of normal household goods, tools, or similar items, and there is no more than one such shed per tax lot. Sheds exceeding any of these limits require a DOB work permit and plans filed by a registered architect or licensed professional engineer. In Queens, where lot sizes vary significantly — from tight 20x100 lots in neighborhoods like Woodhaven and Ozone Park to larger lots in Bayside and Douglaston — the 3-foot setback requirement can be challenging on smaller properties. Sheds cannot be placed in required front yards or required side yards. They also cannot be placed over sewer lines or within utility easements. All sheds must comply with NYC Zoning Resolution open space and lot coverage requirements. In flood zones (which affect significant portions of Queens, particularly the Rockaway Peninsula, Broad Channel, and Howard Beach), sheds may need to meet FEMA and NYC flood-resistant construction standards.