In most locations, yes, you’ll need a permit to build a shed, especially if it’s larger than 100 to 200 square feet, includes plumbing or electrical, or sits on a permanent foundation. Permit rules vary by city and county, but size and utility connections are the two biggest triggers. Always check with your local building department before you begin construction.
Even small sheds might need approval, especially if they’re placed near a property line, on a concrete pad, or wired for electricity. In addition to local building codes, check for neighborhood rules – homeowners’ associations (HOAs) often have their own restrictions on size, placement, or shed design. When in doubt, ask your HOA or zoning office before you begin building.
What Is a Shed Building Permit?
A shed building permit is formal approval from your local building department that allows you to legally construct a shed on your property. It ensures your shed complies with zoning rules, building codes, and safety standards.
Sheds are typically considered accessory structures, meaning they’re secondary buildings on the same lot as your main home. Other examples include detached garages, carports, decks, and gazebos. Even if a shed is pre-built or temporary, you may still need a permit, especially if it exceeds a certain size, is installed on a permanent foundation, or includes plumbing or electrical connections.
When and Why You Need a Building Permit for a Shed
You’ll typically need a permit if your shed is over a certain size, includes utilities, or uses a permanent foundation. The most common triggers include:
- Size over 100–200 sq. ft.
- Electrical or plumbing
- Concrete slab or permanent footings
- Proximity to property lines or roads
Flowchart for shed permit requirements based on size, foundation type, and utilities
How big of a shed can I build without a permit?
Shed size limits vary by state, but many follow a 120–200 sq. ft. threshold. Some examples include:
| State | No Permit | Permit Required |
| California | ≤ 120 sq. ft., no utilities | ≥ 120 sq. ft., utilities, permanent |
| Florida | Varies by county, often ≤ 100 sq. ft. | Usually >100-120 sq. ft. Permanent, with utilities or > threshold |
| Texas | Some cities: < 200 sq. ft. if temporary | Permanent, with utilities or > threshold |
| New York | 144 sq. ft., no utilities | With utilities or > 144 sq. ft. |
| Illinois | 100 sq. ft., typically | > 100 sq. ft. or with services |
| Virginia | ≤ 256 sq. ft. | > 256 sq. ft., utilities |
| Mississippi | ≤ 120 sq. ft. | > 120 sq. ft., utilities |
| Arizona | ≤ 200 sq. ft. | > 200 sq. ft., utilities |
| Washington | ≤ 120 sq. ft. | > 120 sq. ft., 1 in. above grade foundation, utilities |
| Tennessee | ≤ 200 sq. ft. | > 200 sq. ft., permanent foundation |
| Michigan | ≤ 200 sq. ft. | > 200 sq. ft., utilities, usually for permanent foundation |
| Ohio | ≤ 200 sq. ft. | > 120 sq. ft., some utilities and foundations |
| Nevada | ≤ 120 sq. ft. | > 200 sq. ft., utilities, footing below frost line |
| Massachusetts | ≤ 200 sq. ft., zoning and setback may require a permit | > 200 sq. ft., utilities, footing below frost line |
| South Dakota | ≤ 120 sq. ft., some counties allow up to 200 sq. ft., no utilities | > 120 sq. ft., utilities, foundation varies by location |
Pro tip: even if your shed is under the size limit, adding electricity or plumbing often requires a permit.
Foundation Type
A critical factor in determining whether you need a permit is whether you plan on a temporary or permanent foundation. If the foundation is temporary, some jurisdictions do not require a permit. Most require you to obtain one when you plan on a permanent foundation.
Temporary Foundations
- Gravel pads
- Skids
- Concrete blocks
Permanent Foundations
- Concrete slabs
- Footings
Utilities and Electrical
Once you plan on installing utilities, including plumbing and electrical, you may need a building permit for the shed and:
- Wiring permits and inspections are required to run electricity to the building and install electrical outlets and wiring
- Perk test
- Septic permit and inspection
- Plumbing permits and inspection
A 10×12 office shed with windows, lighting, and electricity – features that typically require a permit
Location and Setback Requirements
Most local governments have setback requirements of five to ten feet from property lines. Check your local zoning rules for setback requirements.
Additionally, some jurisdictions may require detached buildings to be a certain number of feet away from the house to meet fire safety requirements.
Finally, check with your city or county for easements and right-of-way restrictions. Most areas do not allow you to erect permanent structures, including fences, along the side of the road or on a utility easement that may run across your property.
Footage varies, but some examples include:
- 10 to 15 feet from the edge of the road
- 25 feet from the center of a private gravel road
Pro tip: check surveys or have a surveyor mark property lines to determine setbacks, or you may have to move your shed.
Do I need a permit for a pre-built shed?
Yes, in most cases, you do, just as if you were building a custom shed – unless the shed meets the size requirements for no permits.
All other requirements remain the same. Planning on placing a pre-built shed on a concrete pad? You will most likely need a permit. Should you install utilities in the pre-built shed, you will also need the appropriate permits and inspections.
How to Check Local Shed Permit Requirements
Before building a shed, it’s essential to confirm whether a permit is required. Here’s how to check:
Step 1: Start With Your Local Building Department
Visit your city or county’s official website and look for departments like Planning, Building, or Permits. Use the search bar to find terms like “shed permit” or “accessory structure.” Look for guides or checklists that outline size limits, utility rules, and setback requirements.
If anything is unclear, call the building department directly to ask about permit triggers such as shed size, foundations, and utility connections. Make a note of who you spoke with and when, in case you need that information later.
Step 2: Contact Your HOA (If Applicable)
If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association, check your HOA’s rules (often listed in the CC&Rs). These may include limits on shed size, placement, or materials, even if the city doesn’t require a permit.
When in doubt, contact your HOA board or management company to verify what’s allowed. As with city requirements, keep a written record of your communication.
Pro tip: even if your neighbor built a shed without issues, codes may have changed. Always verify with your local authorities and HOA to avoid costly surprises.
The Permit Application Process
Before you can start the permit application process, you will need shed plans, specifications, and a property survey. After gathering all of the required paperwork, complete the application and attach copies of the required documents.
Pay the required fee and submit the application. It can take one to four weeks for approval. You will also need to be ready to pay inspection fees and potential plan review costs.
Depending on your location, rules, regulations, and code may require foundation, framing, and electrical inspections before you can move onto the next step. Once you complete your project, you may have to pay for a final inspection.
What Happens If You Build a Shed Without a Permit?
You may consider “sneaking” a shed built without applying and waiting for a permit. However, the consequences can be costly if zoning learns of the build or placement of a pre-built shed, and may include:
- Fines: Most jurisdictions impose penalties should you build a shed without a permit. Daily fines could range from $100 to $500.
- Stop Work Orders: Authorities may require you to stop construction until you obtain the proper permits.
- Demolition or Rework: Authorities may require you to remove the unpermitted shed or revamp the work to bring it into compliance with local codes.
- Insurance Issues: Your insurance company may deny a claim for damages if the structure was not permitted. It can also jeopardize coverage for the entire property.
- Property Sale Delays: Since title companies and lenders often require proof of compliance, an unpermitted shed could delay the sale of your property.
- Criminal Penalties: Egregious or repeated violations could result in court action, fines, and even imprisonment, depending on your local laws.
Why Do Local Governments Require Shed Permits?
Your city, county, or state may require a shed permit for several reasons, including:
- Safety Codes: In order to reduce the risk of structural failure, fire, and other hazards, buildings must meet local and national building codes.
- Zoning Compliance: Cities, and sometimes counties and states, may have setback, height, size, and use restrictions.
- Property Values: If a property doesn’t meet neighborhood standards, it could cause property values to drop due to unregulated or unsafe construction.
- Insurance and Liability: Insurance companies often require proper permitting before they will cover a building for accident and damage liability issues.
Cost and Timeline Implications
Depending on your location, a shed permit can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 and can take as little as a week to as long as four weeks to process.
The fee depends on the size of your project, in addition to local fee schedules. The more complex the plan, the more the permit may cost and the longer it can take to process the permit application.
Retroactive Permitting
If zoning allows you to apply for and obtain a retroactive permit, you may have to submit plans, undergo inspections and make any required modifications to meet your jurisdiction’s safety and code standards.
Permit fees may be two to three times more than if you had applied for the permit while building. You will also need multiple inspections for structural, electrical and plumbing, where applicable.
You may also have to open walls, floors, and ceilings to verify any hidden work. Reinspection fees can range from $100 to $500 per inspection.
Documentation Requirements for Retroactive Permits
When you apply for a retroactive permit to build a shed, you may have to provide:
- Detailed drawings
- A site plan
- Engineering reports
Be ready to provide access for inspectors and pay any associated fees and penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shed Permits
1. Can I build my own shed?
Yes, you can build your own shed in most areas, as long as you follow building codes and permitting requirements. If your shed requires electrical or plumbing, you will have to hire a contractor in most areas.
Should you hire a contractor to build the shed, they may handle the permitting process for you. As for foundations, you can do it yourself, though the foundation may need to pass inspection before you continue.
Contractors can cost upwards of $25,000 in some states and must usually be licensed contractors.
Those with basic carpentry skills will most likely be able to build a small shed. However, you should expect a moderate learning curve for tasks such as installing doors and windows. You should also be able to meet the physical demands of building a shed and know when to hire help.
If you build the shed yourself, you are responsible for permitting and scheduling inspections. Should you hire a contractor, they will take care of inspections. You will need to keep all plans, permits, and inspection reports for future reference and property records.
2. Can I legally turn a shed into a house?
It depends on the area you live in and your local government’s zoning laws, building codes, and habitability standards. You may also have to go through a formal legal process.
Check with zoning regulations, local ordinances, and whether you need a conditional use permit before you start the conversion. Converted outbuildings, including sheds, need to meet all of your local government’s residential building codes. They may require significant upgrades to the foundation, the structure itself, doors, windows, utilities, and fire safety items (exits, smoke detectors, sprinklers).
Some local governments may also require a shed conversion to be a minimum square footage, often from 150 to 400 sq. ft. You will need safe access to electricity, water and sewer/septic, adequate ventilation, and a functional kitchen and bathroom.
Finally, the legal conversion process will require you to check zoning, review your local government’s building codes, apply for permits, complete the required upgrades and pass a final inspection.
3. Can you build a shed without a permit?
If the shed meets the minimum size and does not require utilities, you may be able to build it without a permit, depending on your location. However, if you need a permit and build without one, you could face fines and possible orders for demolition.
4. Do I need a permit to put a shed in my backyard?
You must check location-specific considerations, such as setbacks, easements, and HOA rules.
Making the Right Decision for Your Shed Project
Always check the most current zoning and building regulations. Call your local government’s building department, as zoning and building codes change frequently. In addition to the cost of building the shed, you will incur permitting and inspection costs. Most sheds over 100 to 200 square feet require permits and inspections.
Ensure you comply with laws, rules, and regulations before you start building in order to protect your investment.
Once you are ready to start building, visit Craftcamp to browse through our free shed plans or get some great shed ideas.
