Getting a storage shed for your backyard can be exciting. It’s like buying a small house, only most people do not live in a shed. Even though a shed may only take up 300 to 700 cubic feet of space, many areas require a building permit prior to the installation. Not all areas require a building permit, however you need to read this article in case your area requires a building permit for sheds.
In most areas installing an 8×8 or 6×8 shed would meet most building code requirements. However, installing larger sheds may challenge local zoning restrictions. Before we go on, it’s important to contact your local building inspector to see if your storage building is up to code. It is up to the homeowner to obtain a building permit prior to installation! Each county has different building codes so it is crucial for you to make sure you get accurate information. If a shed is installed on your property and is then found to be in violation of local building codes, it will have to be removed which can be an unnecessary additional cost.
Will My Shed Meet the Building Code Requirements to Obtain a Permit?
As previously mentioned, each counties building codes varies. Here are a few aspects you need to be aware of that may determine whether your shed will meet the building requirements for your area.
Most Common Zoning Restrictions:
1. Electricity: Many areas place restrictions on adding electrical wiring inside a shed.
2. Size: Many areas restrict larger sized buildings.
3. Extreme Weather: Some areas that experience frequent hurricanes and tornadoes will require all storage buildings to be anchored to the ground to withstand heavy winds. In addition, areas below freezing point will require specific methods for building foundations.
4. Placement: Many areas will only allow sheds to be installed in backyards. In addition some areas mandate that sheds cannot occupy more than 20% of the backyard area.
5. Purpose: Some areas may restrict the amount of “stories” inside a shed. Sheds should have a principle use. For example, if you plan on doing business or using your shed as a workplace, you will need to let your building inspector know.
6. Attachments: Many areas may restrict whether storage buildings are attached to homes.
7. Type of Foundation: Some areas will restrict the type of foundation used.
8. Away from fences and other objects: Some areas will require sheds to be a certain distance from objects such as fences, trees, property lines and pools.
How to Get a Building Permit for My Shed
Building permits are required by our shed installers. Make sure your building permit is up to date. To avoid wasting time and money, call your county or city building codes department to get a building permit for your shed.
48 responses to “How to Get a Building Permit for a Shed”
Posted by nancy
I’m interested in 8×10 solar building.I live in Houston within harris county.Would it be possible if the store locator in Houston can check about building permit for this size of the shed.
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Posted by bdeitsch
Hi Nancy,
That is a great question. Building codes can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. For instance, a 10×16 building might meet building code requirements in a town, but no more than 5 miles down the road, it may not meet the requirements. It is in your best interest to contact the local building inspector directly. The Harris County Building permit Office in Houston, Texas should be able to help you. Click here to visit the site. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
-Brennan
Online Customer Service
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Posted by sofia reyes
I l live in new york Queens county Ozone Park I already order a Shed size 10X12 it’s going to be installed August 21sth Do I need a permit for this size?
Posted on August 7, 2014 at 9:45 am
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Morning Sofia,
Thank you for visiting our blog. I apologize for getting back to you so late. Our corporate office is located in Monroe, Michigan, so I am not familiar with your building codes. Building permits can vary for every county. I would suggest reaching out to your local building inspector to determine what type of permit you might need. If you have any other questions, feel free to give us a call. Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Online Marketing Manager
Posted on August 15, 2014 at 10:22 am
Posted by JOE
YOU DONT NEED A PERMIT FOR A 10 X 12 IN QUEENS COUNTY OZONE PARK BUT THE HEIGHT OF THE SHED SHUD BE NOMORE THAN 7 1/2 FEET . CALL THE BUILDING DEPT AND ASK FOR HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS . ALSO NO CONCRETE FOUNDATION ALLOWED . SHED MUST BE AT LEAST 3 TO 5 FT FROM PROPERTY LINE . I THINK YOU NEED A PERMIT IF YOU HAVE ELECTRICITY INSTALLED FOR SHED
Posted on June 27, 2017 at 5:45 pm
Posted by Jay
Hi Joe,
I’m interested in building a shed in my backyard in the Bronx up
north (Northeast Bronx). A 10X12, 7.5 feet tall but do you know
if Solar Powered without wiring need a permit? I’m using a wireless
USB LED Desk Lamp and for anything else use for power, I have
Solar Panels that might not be attached to the shed. That’s for the
Entertainment Center, Electric Outdoor Grill, charging base for
phones, computer, etc… Do you know anyone that might have the same thing constructed in their backyard?
Posted on August 22, 2017 at 10:39 pm
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Morning Jay,
Unfortunately, each building codes vary by county. Please call your local HOA to determine if any permits are needed in your area. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Online Marketing Manager
Posted on August 23, 2017 at 9:39 am
Posted by Joan Lockwood
I am considering having Sears build a shed 10×12 in the back of the house which is all open. Do I need to have a permit? I sure hope not. Please respond.
Posted on August 21, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Afternoon Joan,
I am out of Monroe, Michigan and every counties building codes/restrictions vary, so I do not know if you would need a permit for sure. I would give your local building inspector a call to verify this. I am sorry I can not give you a definite answer. I would try Googling “building codes in [insert your city]”. From there you can email or call someone at the office. Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Online Marketing Manager
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Posted on August 21, 2014 at 1:21 pm
Posted by James Sperry
I live in Davenport, Fla and we want to put in a 20 x 24 shed in the back yard for storage purposes. Where do I go to find out if I need a permit for this? Thank you in advance, a disabled Vet.
Posted on April 20, 2015 at 11:31 am
Posted by Bob
I want to build a,20 x 20 shed / garage in my back yard. Dies anybody know if you need a permit in tracy california. It will be on a slab. Thanks
Posted on February 7, 2016 at 9:54 pm
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Morning Bob,
Thanks for visiting our blog. Well, I am from our corporate office in Monroe, Michigan so I am not familiar with your county’s building codes. However, I did find a website that might be able to point you in the right direction. Visit this site to view shed building codes and permits in California. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Backyard Buildings and More
Posted on February 8, 2016 at 8:46 am
Posted by Nate
yep, only 10×20 is allowed without a permit in tracy.
Posted on February 24, 2016 at 2:04 pm
Posted by Maria
nNate, Are you saying 10×20 shed is legal without a permit in Tracy ca 95376.
Posted on February 27, 2017 at 12:37 am
Posted by Reggie
I live in San Diego and I’m at a loss trying to understand all the different sections of San Diego’s permit requirement for building a 10X12 shed in m backyard. I have measured my area and gave 3′ of space between the fence. My issue is that I went to several businesses tha advertise sheds and their reply is that “we can sell you the shed” but, the permit is on you. If they were to make plans that I have already made they will charge over $1000 plus $800 to apply for the permit. I don’t want to do this but, it is easier to have it built by the seller and wait for the city to find out… If you know someone that has performed the process of obtaining a permit, no matter what city I would like to know. I would tailor their process to fit mine. I just need a laymans process so that I could understand.
Posted on June 11, 2016 at 9:37 am
Posted by KURT MARTIN
HELLO BRENNAN, I AM A FELLOW MICHIGANDER, VIEWING A METAL GARAGE KIT. 12 X 20 HOW CAN I TRUST THE MANUFACTURERS CLAIM OF STRUCTURAL FITNESS WITHOUT BLUEPRINTS TO OFFER CITY CODE INSPECTERS.
Posted on July 13, 2016 at 6:43 am
Posted by Brennan
Good Afternoon Kurt,
I would suggest reading reviews of customers that have had a metal shed for a few years. I would also share the sheds specifications with people who understand architecture. We manufacture wooden sheds, so I can’t offer you a lot of information on this topic. Feel free to give us a call at 855.853.8558 if you have other questions about your shed. I wish you best of luck in your search for the perfect shed.
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Online Marketing Manager
Posted on July 13, 2016 at 1:52 pm
Posted by George a Nelson
Would like to build 10×20 foot shed on our lake property in mahtowa, Carlton county
Posted on July 16, 2016 at 11:02 pm
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Morning George,
Thank you for visiting our blog. Each county’s building code varies for sheds. Please check with your local building inspector and or HOA to see if there are any special requirements in your area. If you have any other questions, feel free to give us a call at 855.853.8558. Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Online Marketing Manager
Posted on July 18, 2016 at 8:53 am
Posted by SMM
We started building a shed, the floor is pretty much done. It’s not a slab of concrete, but on block.we decided to go W12″xL14″. Should we obtain a permit? And if so how much would it cost? We live in Dartmouth, Mass
Posted on September 15, 2016 at 7:41 am
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Morning SMM,
We always recommend contacting your local building inspector/HOA to before you begin to build your shed and foundation. It might save you time and money in the long run. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Online Marketing Manager
Backyard Buildings and More
Posted on October 3, 2016 at 8:51 am
Posted by Building A Backyard Shed | Woodworkings2016.com
[…] How to Get a Building Permit for a Shed […]
Posted on September 16, 2016 at 6:02 am
Posted by Building A Shed Codes | Woodworkings2016.com
[…] How to Get a Building Permit for a Shed […]
Posted on September 19, 2016 at 10:03 pm
Posted by Brennan
I am building an 8×10 shed in my backyard. I have 2 acres of property. The shed will not have electricity. The floor is already up. Should I really attempt to obtain a permit? I’m not really in the best place money wise, does it cost money for a permit? What are the requirements to get a permit? Does someone have to see the area, do they have to know the plans for using it?
Posted on October 11, 2016 at 1:04 am
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Morning Brennan,
The costs for obtaining a permit can vary for each region, so I can’t really tell you for sure. I would try calling your local building inspector and basically tell them you building a 8×10 shed and they might be able to tell you yes or no right over the phone. I hope that helps a little.
Thanks for visiting our blog.
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Online Marketing Manager
Backyard Buildings and More
Posted on October 11, 2016 at 8:15 am
Posted by Julio
Hello I live in spring tx I want to build a shed. If I want to build it my self what should I have when I go get a permit.
Posted on January 12, 2017 at 9:25 pm
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Morning Julio,
Well, I am working from our corporate office in Monroe, Michigan and the requirements for obtaining a permit varies by each county. Our blog summarizes the general things to know to obtain a permit. Hopefully, that can get you started. I would suggest giving your local building inspector a call. They should be able to help you out!
Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Online Marketing Manager
Backyard Buildings and More
Posted on January 13, 2017 at 8:37 am
Posted by mike schneidewent
Can I put up a 10×20 metel arrow brand shed in. Pewaukee Wisconsin. It’s a kit shed all painted metel wood floor laying on the grass
Posted on February 6, 2017 at 8:17 pm
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Morning Mike,
Unfortunately we are located in Monroe, Michigan and are not familiar with the build permit codes/restrictions. Each county’s building codes are different. I would suggest contacting your local building inspector or HOA. Have a great day!
Posted on February 7, 2017 at 8:38 am
Posted by billy
Why is it so difficult to read not even half the article that tells you geniuses to contact your local building inspector for the answers to your specific questions.
Posted on March 9, 2017 at 1:56 pm
Posted by Brent Tingley
Here is a good question. Is there really restrictions on how many sheds you can own? I want to buy 2 of them and my code inspector is questioning us because we are only allowed to have 1, though we already have 3 and taking down 1 soon. I live in a small town.
Posted on March 18, 2017 at 8:29 pm
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Morning Brent,
Well that is interesting that you already have three sheds and they only allow one shed. Every county has different building restrictions, so I cannot comment on your counties shed restrictions. Good luck!
Posted on March 21, 2017 at 8:50 am
Posted by chris
can anyone tell me if i buy a lot can i put a big shed on to live in??????????
Posted on June 7, 2017 at 10:05 pm
Posted by bill
i live in jensen beach florida and i want to install a shed in my back yard , what are the rules
Posted on August 13, 2017 at 10:36 am
Posted by bdeitsch
Good Morning Bill,
Each county’s building codes vary. Please call your local HOA to determine if any permits are needed in your area. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Brennan Deitsch
Online Marketing Manager
Posted on August 14, 2017 at 10:23 am
Posted by Patrick Edwards
I have lived all over California and in my experience, you only have to have a permit if you go over 10’×12′ in size. That’s without electricity installed. If you want to install electricity you have to get a permit no matter how small it is.
Posted on December 7, 2017 at 10:32 am
Posted by Dani
Can I put up a 10×8 metel shed in my backyard wood floor laying on the grass with no permit I live in warren Michigan????
Posted on February 25, 2018 at 10:27 pm
Posted by need a sheds unlimited that will take payment plans philadelphia west chester area – Unlimited Sheds
[…] How to Get a Building Permit for a Shed – Backyard Buildings […]
Posted on April 13, 2018 at 3:58 pm
Posted by Jennifer brown
I live in Crossville TN. I have a 12×20 building that I want to put electric in to store my things and use sometimes as a mancave to get away. what do I need to have to get electric turned on and do I have to get a building permit for the building it’s a shedmax building and they put it on blocks and wedges. I’m outside of city limits. I have wiring ran although out the place it’s ready for an inspection. But I don’t know if I need someone to check out the foundation and okay it, or what permits I need for the electric to be hooked up
Posted on June 13, 2018 at 6:31 pm
Posted by Brennan
Good Morning Jennifer,
For all that work you are going to do, I would contact your local building inspector. Good luck with your project.
Posted on June 14, 2018 at 10:08 am
Posted by Maricela
Hello my name is Maricela,
I’m in Goleta California, I would like to ask if I need a permit to build in a 10X12 shed storage???
Posted on July 24, 2018 at 12:17 am
Posted by Exeter Grixxlock von Tubeuless
Hello, I am interested in buying and getting a shed installed. I live in Xxalexakz county on the exoplanet Tungstanistan, which orbits the star Betelgeuse in an elliptical path. Heating is done through tidal forces exerted on the planet, causing large geysers, approximately the size of your Mount Everlast, to commonly through the five kilometer ice sheet that covers the global ocean. I am sure you are familiar with building shed on the moons of Joopiter and Saturn (Titan, Europa, Enceladus) so I won’t belabor that point. three questions:
1. Will the geysers cause too much humidity for a shed without a vapor barrier?
2. Given that the ‘ground ‘ is ice, do you recommend treated lumber or steel for the floor joists?
3. Lastly, do I need a permit, and if so how much do they cost?
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your reply!
Sincerely, Arch Exetor Grixxlock von Tubeuless, Esq.
Posted on October 11, 2018 at 1:56 am
Posted by Kizer Frampton
im interested in building a he shed when my family and I move to port charlotte florida I was hoping to get a 10×20 (200sq ft) shed with electricity and a couch tv and a mini fridge with no water. and I was hoping to have to not put cement down as a foundation and use cement blocks in the ground. would I need a permit for this? (I would also be storing my dirt bike in there)
Posted on February 14, 2019 at 4:08 pm
Posted by Jack
I have one 12×18 no permit need, I am looking for one more 10×20 ( not need permit..but they will be register sometimes in the future for tax purpose)
Posted on June 8, 2019 at 5:18 pm
Posted by 2short
I have a shed already but it needs to be replaced do I have to get a permit again or can I just replaced it with the same size or smaller.
Posted on June 20, 2019 at 10:58 am
Posted by Brennan
If you replace it with the same size or smaller, you should be fine, but restrictions could change from time to time, so I would contact your building inspector anyways to be safe.
Posted on June 25, 2019 at 10:32 am
Posted by Fazal Mohamed
My back yard space is 25by 28 how much land space l can use to build a enclosed shed l live in Queens Woodhaven NY
Posted on July 12, 2019 at 6:09 pm
Posted by Brennan
Good Morning Fazal,
Thank you for visiting our blog. The building codes vary in every county, so I would check with your HOA to determine how large of a shed you can put in your backyard. Sorry I could not be of more help. Have a great day!
Posted on July 15, 2019 at 8:38 am