Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed in Austin, TX?

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Project type City Shed size (sq ft) Stories Electrical work planned? Plumbing planned?

Fees

Estimated city fees

Baseline for a simple permitted deck: $100–$350 estimated city fees for a permitted shed (over 200 sq ft; structures ≤ 200 sq ft without utilities typically require no building permit fee)

Fee	Amount	Notes
Building permit + plan review (sheds over 200 sq ft)	$100–$350 (estimated range)	Fees are calculated based on project valuation. Sheds exempt from the building permit requirement incur no building permit fee. Verify current amounts on the official fee schedule at austintexas.gov/page/fees.
Electrical sub-permit	$75–$200 (estimated range)	Required if the shed has any electrical wiring, outlets, or lighting, regardless of shed size. Fees vary by scope. Verify current amounts at austintexas.gov/page/fees.
Plumbing sub-permit	$75–$200 (estimated range)	Required if the shed includes a sink, toilet, hose bib, or other plumbing fixtures. Fees vary by scope.
Inspection fee	Included	Inspections (foundation/slab, framing, final) are included under the building permit. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits have their own inspection stages.
Historic district Certificate of Appropriateness	No fee (residential)	Residential COA applications to the Historic Preservation Office are generally no-fee but require supporting documentation and scheduled review.

Documents

Required documents

Completed residential building permit application through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C).
Site plan drawn to scale showing property lines, existing structures, setbacks, easements, and the proposed shed location and dimensions.
Floor plan and elevation drawings showing shed dimensions, height, roof pitch, wall and roof materials, and door or window locations.
Structural details for prefabricated shed kits: manufacturer installation instructions and engineering documents as applicable.
Foundation plan showing slab, pier, or skid design appropriate for the shed size and soil conditions.
Property survey or recorded plat if the shed is near a rear or side setback line, easement, or shared property boundary.
Historic Preservation Office Certificate of Appropriateness if the property is in a locally designated historic district.
HOA approval documentation if required by subdivision CC&Rs.
Homeowner authorization if a contractor files on the owner's behalf.

Timeline

Typical timing

Plan review: 10–15 business days
Total cycle: 3–5 weeks from application to final inspection

Permit-exempt sheds with no utilities can proceed immediately after confirming setbacks. Permitted sheds with complete, accurate submittals tend to move faster. Historic district reviews and incomplete applications can add weeks.

Process

How the permit process works

Determine whether your shed requires a permit Check the size, height, and utility plans for your shed. A shed of 200 square feet or less, one story, and with no electrical or plumbing is generally exempt from Austin's building permit requirement under the 2024 IRC. Sheds over 200 sq ft, multi-story, or containing utilities require a building permit. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits are required regardless of the building permit status.
Confirm zoning setbacks and lot coverage Even permit-exempt sheds must comply with Austin Land Development Code setback requirements — typically 5 feet from rear and side property lines in standard residential zones. Use Austin's GIS mapping tool at austintexas.gov or contact Development Services to verify your specific setbacks, allowable lot coverage, and any overlay district requirements before placing the shed.
Check for easements and overlay districts Verify that the proposed shed location is clear of drainage, utility, and access easements. If the property is in a historic overlay district, a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Office is required before proceeding with any accessory structure.
Prepare your site plan and drawings Draw a site plan showing the lot boundary, existing structures, setbacks, and the shed's footprint and dimensions. Prepare elevations showing the shed height, roof pitch, and materials. For larger or utility-equipped sheds, include foundation and framing details.
Submit through Austin Build + Connect Log in to your AB+C account at abc.austintexas.gov, start a new residential permit application, and select the accessory structure project type. Upload your plans and pay the initial fee. If adding electrical or plumbing, include sub-permit applications at this stage.
Respond to plan review comments Austin Development Services may request revisions to setback dimensions, structural details, or foundation design. Respond promptly and resubmit updated documents through AB+C.
Receive permit and begin construction Download and keep the permit accessible at the job site. Do not start permitted work before the permit is issued. For exempt sheds, confirm zoning compliance and setbacks before breaking ground.
Schedule and pass required inspections Request inspections through AB+C at the required stages: typically foundation or slab, framing, and final. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits have their own inspection stages. Do not cover or conceal framing or utility rough-in work before it is inspected.
Close out the permit After the final inspection passes, the permit is closed. Retain all documentation — it supports homeowners insurance claims, title review, and future resale.

Code basis

What Austin reviews against

2024 International Residential Code (IRC) § R105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit) as adopted by the City of Austin effective July 10, 2025, with local amendments under Austin City Code Title 25; Austin Land Development Code (LDC) § 25-2 (Zoning) for setback and accessory structure placement standards.

Residential permit page AB+C portal

If you skip the permit

What can go wrong

Austin Development Services or Code Compliance can issue a stop-work order if unpermitted shed construction is discovered.
Daily fines can accumulate until the violation is resolved through an after-the-fact permit or removal of the structure.
An after-the-fact permit may require removal or opening of completed work so inspectors can verify the foundation design, structural connections, and any utility installations.
Insurance claims involving shed damage or liability may be complicated or denied if the structure was unpermitted or built without required sub-permits.
Unpermitted sheds in setback areas or on easements can become deal-breakers during a real estate transaction and may require removal at the seller's expense.
Historic district violations can result in mandatory removal orders issued by the Historic Preservation Commission.
Unpermitted electrical work in a shed creates fire and safety hazards with no inspector verification.

FAQ

Common Austin deck permit questions

Do I need a permit to build a shed in Austin, TX?

It depends on the size and what you're putting inside. A shed of 200 square feet or less, one story tall, and without electrical wiring or plumbing is generally exempt from Austin's building permit requirement under the 2024 IRC. Any shed larger than 200 sq ft, more than one story, or containing electrical or plumbing requires a building permit. Regardless of permit status, your shed must comply with Austin's zoning setback requirements.

What is the maximum shed size allowed without a permit in Austin?

Under the 2024 International Residential Code as adopted by Austin, one-story accessory structures of 200 square feet or less used as storage sheds, tool sheds, playhouses, or similar uses are exempt from the building permit requirement — provided they contain no electrical or plumbing. You still must meet Austin's zoning setback standards, typically a minimum of 5 feet from rear and side property lines in standard residential zones.

What are the setback requirements for a shed in Austin?

Accessory structures in standard Austin residential zoning districts must generally be set back at least 5 feet from the rear and side property lines. Setback requirements vary by zoning district, lot size, and overlay conditions. Verify your specific zoning via Austin's GIS mapping tools at austintexas.gov or contact Development Services before placing a shed.

Does adding electricity to my shed require a permit?

Yes. Any electrical work — including outlets, lighting, or a dedicated circuit to the shed — requires a separate electrical sub-permit regardless of whether the shed itself is exempt from the building permit. An electrical inspection is required before closing out the work. This applies even to small, permit-exempt sheds.

Does adding plumbing to my shed require a permit?

Yes. Any plumbing fixtures — including a hose bib, utility sink, or toilet — require a plumbing sub-permit regardless of shed size or building permit status. A plumbing inspection is required before work is concealed.

How much does a shed permit cost in Austin?

Building permit fees for a permitted shed (over 200 sq ft) are based on project valuation and typically run $100–$350 in city fees. Electrical sub-permits add roughly $75–$200 depending on scope; plumbing sub-permits are similar. Sheds exempt from the building permit requirement incur no building permit fee. Verify current fee amounts on the official fee schedule at austintexas.gov/page/fees.

How long does it take to get a shed permit in Austin?

Plan on 10 to 15 business days for plan review after a complete application is submitted, with total project timing of roughly 3 to 5 weeks including inspections. Permit-exempt sheds (≤ 200 sq ft, no utilities) can proceed immediately after confirming setbacks. Historic district reviews and incomplete applications can add time.

Can I place a shed in my front yard in Austin?

Generally no. Most Austin residential zoning districts require accessory structures to be placed in the rear or side yard, not within the front yard setback area. Some districts may allow accessory structures closer to the street under specific conditions, but this is uncommon. Check your specific zoning district rules with Austin Development Services.

Sources

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