Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted shed: No building permit fee for NC-exempt sheds (≤ 12 ft in any dimension, not on permanent foundation); $100–$350 estimated total city fees for a permitted shed requiring a building permit
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential building permit + plan review (sheds outside the NC exemption) | $100–$350 (estimated range) | Raleigh Development Services calculates permit fees based on project valuation. Sheds qualifying for the NC Building Code exemption (≤ 12 ft in any dimension, not on a permanent foundation, used for storage) pay no building permit fee. Verify current amounts at raleighnc.gov/permits. |
| Electrical permit | $75–$200 (estimated range) | Required if the shed has wiring, outlets, lighting, or a subpanel. Must be pulled by a licensed electrician or the homeowner under the NC owner exemption. |
| Plumbing permit | $75–$200 (estimated range) | Required if the shed includes any plumbing fixtures. Must be pulled by a licensed plumber or the homeowner under the NC owner exemption. |
| Inspection fees | Included | Foundation, framing, and final inspections are included under the building permit. Electrical and plumbing permits have their own inspection stages. |
| Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness | Fees vary; contact Raleigh Development Services | Required if the property is in a Raleigh local historic overlay district. Reviewed by the Raleigh Historic Development Commission. |
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Conditions
The rules that apply
- Under North Carolina General Statute § 160D-1110(c) and the 2018 NCRC, one-story accessory buildings not exceeding 12 feet in any dimension (length, width, or height) used for storage in connection with a residence are exempt from the NC Building Code permit requirement if not on a permanent foundation — this exemption is honored by Raleigh Development Services.
- A building permit from Raleigh Development Services is required for any shed that exceeds 12 feet in any dimension, is placed on a permanent foundation, or is more than one story.
- An electrical permit is required for any shed with wiring, outlets, lighting, or a subpanel — regardless of the shed's size or exemption from the building permit.
- A plumbing permit is required for any shed with a sink, toilet, hose bib, or other fixtures — regardless of the shed's size.
- Even permit-exempt sheds must comply with Raleigh's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) zoning rules — zoning setbacks and placement requirements apply to all accessory structures.
- Accessory structures in standard Raleigh residential zoning districts must be placed in the rear or side yard and typically meet a minimum 3–5 foot setback from rear and side property lines depending on the zoning district.
- Sheds may not be placed within required front yards, over drainage or utility easements, or within floodplain overlay areas without additional review.
- Properties within a Raleigh local historic overlay district (such as Oakwood, Boylan Heights, or Blount Street) require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission before any accessory structure work.
- HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) may impose stricter size, setback, material, or placement requirements and are enforced separately from the City's rules.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- Completed building permit application through Raleigh's online permit portal at raleighnc.gov/permits.
- 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.
- Manufacturer's installation instructions and engineering documents for prefabricated shed kits.
- Foundation plan showing slab, pier, or skid design appropriate for the shed size (required only if a building permit is pulled for a larger shed).
- Property survey or recorded plat if the shed is near a rear or side setback line, easement, or shared property boundary.
- Certificate of Appropriateness from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission for properties in a local historic overlay district.
- HOA approval documentation if required by subdivision CC&Rs.
- Homeowner authorization if a contractor files on the owner's behalf.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
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Determine whether your shed requires a permit Under NC General Statute § 160D-1110(c), one-story storage buildings used in connection with a residence that do not exceed 12 feet in any dimension and are not on a permanent foundation are exempt from the NC Building Code permit. Larger sheds, sheds on permanent foundations, and sheds with utilities require a Raleigh building permit. Electrical and plumbing permits are required separately for any wiring or fixtures.
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Confirm Raleigh UDO zoning setbacks and placement Even permit-exempt sheds must comply with Raleigh's UDO. Accessory structures in standard residential zoning districts must be in the rear or side yard with setbacks typically ranging from 3–5 feet from rear and side property lines. Confirm your specific setback requirements through Raleigh Development Services or the online zoning map before placing the shed.
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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 Raleigh local historic overlay district, obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission. Floodplain overlay properties require additional review.
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Prepare your site plan and drawings Draw a scaled site plan showing the lot boundary, existing structures, setbacks, and the shed's footprint and dimensions. Prepare elevations showing shed height, roof pitch, and materials. For larger or utility-equipped sheds, include foundation and framing details.
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Submit through Raleigh's online permit portal Log in at raleighnc.gov/permits and select the appropriate residential building permit type. Upload plans and pay applicable fees. Add electrical or plumbing sub-permit applications if applicable. In-person service is available at Raleigh Development Services, One Exchange Plaza, Raleigh, NC 27601.
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Respond to plan review comments Raleigh Development Services reviewers check the submittal against the 2018 NCRC and applicable UDO standards. Respond to any correction requests by revising and resubmitting affected drawings through the portal.
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Receive permit and begin construction Download the issued permit and keep it accessible at the job site. For NC-exempt sheds, confirm UDO setback compliance before breaking ground.
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Schedule and pass required inspections Request inspections through the Raleigh permit portal at the required stages — typically foundation or slab, framing, and final. Electrical and plumbing permits have their own inspection stages. Do not cover framing or utility rough-in work before inspection.
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Close out the permit After the final inspection passes, the permit is closed. Retain all documentation for insurance, title review, and future resale.
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Tools & materials
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Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-29.
NC General Statute § 160D-1110(c) (accessory building permit exemption for one-story storage buildings ≤ 12 ft in any dimension not on a permanent foundation); 2018 North Carolina Residential Code (NCRC) as adopted with NC state amendments; Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) accessory structure placement, setback, and lot coverage standards.
Residential permit page: https://raleighnc.gov/permits
If you skip the permit
- Raleigh Development Services can issue a stop-work order if unpermitted shed construction is discovered.
- Civil penalties can accumulate until the violation is resolved through an after-the-fact permit or removal of the structure.
- After-the-fact permits may require opening or removing completed work to verify foundation design, structural connections, and utility installations.
- Insurance claims involving shed damage or liability may be complicated or denied if the structure was unpermitted or lacks required zoning compliance.
- Unpermitted sheds in setbacks or on easements can derail real estate transactions and may require removal at the seller's expense.
- Historic district violations can trigger mandatory removal orders from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission.
- Unpermitted electrical work creates fire and safety hazards with no inspector verification.
FAQ
Common Raleigh shed permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in Raleigh, NC?
It depends on size, foundation, and utilities. Under NC General Statute § 160D-1110(c), one-story storage buildings not exceeding 12 feet in any dimension and not on a permanent foundation are exempt from the NC Building Code permit requirement. Larger sheds, sheds on permanent foundations, and sheds with electrical or plumbing require a Raleigh building permit. All sheds must comply with Raleigh's UDO setback requirements.
What is the maximum shed size without a permit in Raleigh?
Under North Carolina state law, a one-story storage building up to 12 feet in any dimension (length, width, or height) — roughly 144 square feet — is exempt from the building permit requirement if it is not on a permanent foundation and is used in connection with a residence. Raleigh's UDO setback requirements still apply, and any electrical or plumbing triggers a separate permit.
What are the setback requirements for a shed in Raleigh?
In standard Raleigh residential zoning districts, accessory structures must be placed in the rear or side yard with minimum setbacks typically ranging from 3–5 feet from rear and side property lines depending on the specific zoning district. Verify your exact setbacks through Raleigh Development Services or the online zoning map before placing your shed.
Does a prefabricated shed need a permit in Raleigh?
A prefabricated shed qualifies for the NC permit exemption if it is one story, not more than 12 feet in any dimension, and not placed on a permanent foundation — skids are typically acceptable. Larger prefabs or those installed on a permanent slab require a building permit. Raleigh's UDO setback requirements apply in all cases.
Does adding electricity to my shed require a permit in Raleigh?
Yes. Any electrical work — including outlets, lighting, or a dedicated circuit — requires a separate electrical permit regardless of whether the shed itself is exempt from the building permit. An electrical inspection is required before work is closed out.
Does adding plumbing to my shed require a permit in Raleigh?
Yes. Any plumbing fixtures — including a hose bib, utility sink, or toilet — require a separate plumbing permit. A plumbing inspection is required before any concealed work.
How much does a shed permit cost in Raleigh?
NC-exempt sheds (≤ 12 ft in any dimension, not on a permanent foundation) incur no building permit fee. Full building permits for larger sheds are based on project valuation and typically run $100–$350 in city fees, plus any electrical or plumbing permits ($75–$200 each). Verify current fees at raleighnc.gov/permits.
How long does it take to get a shed permit in Raleigh?
NC-exempt sheds require no building permit review — just confirm UDO setbacks and proceed. Full building permit review typically takes 10 to 15 business days, with total project timing of roughly 3 to 5 weeks including inspections. Historic district reviews and incomplete applications can add time.
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Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with Raleigh permitting staff before you build.