Do You Need a Building Permit for a Storage Shed?

You’ve picked out the perfect spot in the yard, selected a style that matches your home, and you’re ready to finally organize your outdoor gear. But before you schedule delivery for your new Heartland Shed, there’s one crucial question you need to answer: Do you need a permit to build a storage shed?

Figuring out local zoning laws and building codes can feel like a headache, but it’s a key step to make sure your new backyard addition is safe, legal, and built to last. Skipping it can lead to fines, neighbor complaints, or even being forced to move or remove your shed.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly when a shed permit is required, how the process works, and how to get your project approved so you can start enjoying your new space.

Understanding Shed Permits and Why They Matter

It’s easy to view a building permit for a garden shed as just another piece of red tape, but these regulations serve an important purpose. When you apply for a permit, your city or county is essentially checking that your shed:

When you obtain a permit, you’re verifying that your shed meets local safety standards regarding:

• Meets structural requirements so it can handle local wind and snow loads

• Respects zoning rules, like setbacks from property lines and distance from other structures

• Doesn’t interfere with utilities, drainage, or emergency access

Getting the right approvals upfront protects you from future liabilities. If you ever decide to sell your home, an unpermitted structure can flag issues during the inspection process and potentially slow down the sale.

When Do You Need a Permit for a Storage Shed?

The short answer: It depends. 

Regulations vary widely by city, county, and state. While some rural areas have very loose restrictions, urban and suburban areas typically have specific rules you must follow.

To determine if you need a permit for a storage shed, consider a few key factors specific to your project.

Factors That Determine If You Need a Permit

Local building departments usually look at the following criteria to decide if a permit is necessary:

• Size: This is the most common trigger. Many municipalities allow small sheds without a permit, but require one for larger structures. Common thresholds are 100, 120, or 200 square feet. If your shed exceeds the size limit for your area, you will likely need a permit.

• Foundation Type: A shed sitting on simple wood runners or gravel might be considered "temporary" in some areas. However, if you pour a permanent concrete slab foundation, a permit is almost always required.

• Electricity and Plumbing: If you plan to wire your shed for lights or add a sink, you will need separate electrical or plumbing permits. This turns a simple storage structure into something more complex in the eyes of the zoning board.

• Intended Use: Are you storing lawnmowers, or are you creating a home office or guest room? If the shed is intended for occupancy (like a "she shed" or studio), the code requirements are much stricter than for basic storage.

• HOA Rules: Even if your city doesn't require a permit, your homeowners association (HOA) might have its own approval process. We have a full guide on navigating HOA-approved sheds to help you with this specific challenge.

When a Permit Usually Isn’t Required

In many jurisdictions, you may not need a permit for a storage shed if:

• The structure is small (often under 100 or 120 sq. ft.).

• It’s a single-story detached accessory structure.

• It’s not wired for electricity or plumbed.

• It’s built on a temporary foundation (like skids or blocks) rather than a permanent slab.

However, "no permit required" doesn't mean "no rules apply." You still need to follow zoning laws regarding setbacks (how far the shed must be from the fence) and height restrictions. Always check with your local building department to be sure.

How to Get a Shed Permit

If you determine that you do need a permit for a shed, the next step is to apply. While every office is different, the general process looks like this:

1. Research: Visit your local city or county website to find the "Accessory Structure" or residential building guidelines.

2. Prepare Documents: You will typically need a plot plan (a drawing of your property showing where the shed will go) and the construction specifications of the shed.

3. Apply: Submit your application and pay the fee.

4. Review: The city will review your plans. This can take a few days to a few weeks.

5. Issue: Once approved, you receive your permit card to post at the job site.

6. Inspect: After installation, a city inspector may need to view the shed to sign off on the permit.

Costs, Timelines, and Common Requirements

The cost of a building permit for a shed varies widely. In some areas, it might be a flat fee of $50 to $100. In others, it’s calculated based on the value of the project, which could range from $250 to over $500.

Timeline-wise, simple over-the-counter permits can sometimes be issued the same day. However, if your project requires a full plan review, it could take 2-4 weeks.

Be aware that your local building department may require engineered drawings, which are stamped plans proving the structure meets specific codes. For example, you may need engineered drawings if you live in a high-wind zone, such as Florida. If these drawings are required, they’re usually an additional cost separate from the permit fee. At Heartland, we can provide these drawings for a fee if your municipality requires them.

Build Your Shed With Confidence

Don't let the paperwork scare you away from getting the storage space you need. If you take a few minutes to check the rules up front and learn what actually requires a permit, you’ll be able to move forward with your shed project and prepare for the installation process.

Ready to start your shed project? Heartland makes it easy with expert guidance, detailed shed specs, and permit support to help you build with confidence. 

Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your specific needs and get your questions answered.

FAQs

What information will I need to get a shed permit? 

Most local permit offices will ask for three main things:

1. A Site Plan: A drawing of your property showing property lines, your house, and exactly where the shed will go. You’ll need to show distance to the property lines (setbacks).

2. Shed Specifications: Dimensions, materials, and construction details. We can provide the technical specs for your specific Heartland model to assist with this.

3. Foundation Plan: Details on what the shed will sit on (concrete, gravel, runners, etc.).

Do I need a permit for a pre-built shed?

Yes, often. Local codes care about the structure's presence on your property, not whether it was built in a factory or hammered together in your backyard. Even for pre-built or professionally installed sheds, if the size exceeds the local limit (e.g., 120 sq. ft.), a permit is required.

Can Heartland help with the permit process?

Yes! We know this process can be confusing. Heartland offers a Permit Service for a fee. We will handle the administrative work: filling out the paperwork, submitting the plot plan and shed documents to your municipality, and coordinating the process.

Please note: Our Permit Service fee covers the administrative work only. You are responsible for the cost of the permit itself, any city/county fees, and the cost of engineered drawings ($650+) if your local office requires them. We pass those city fees directly to you with no markup.

What happens if I build without a permit?

Building without a shed permit when one is required carries risks. The city can issue a stop-work order, charge you double or triple permit fees as a penalty, or force you to move or completely remove the shed. It can also complicate future property sales, as unpermitted structures can be flagged by home inspectors.

Do HOAs have separate rules for sheds? 

Yes. Even if your city says you don't need a building permit, your HOA might still require approval. HOAs often regulate aesthetics, like requiring the shed to match your home's paint color or shingles. They may also have stricter rules on size and placement than the city does. Always check your HOA covenants before buying.

How big can a shed be without a building permit?

It depends on your local codes. Many areas allow smaller sheds (often up to around 120 square feet) without a building permit as long as you follow rules like keeping the shed a certain distance from property lines and not adding utilities like electricity or plumbing. Because these limits vary by city, county, and HOA, the safest move is to call your local building department and confirm what’s allowed on your property.