When a shed needs a permit
Cities set a minimum size below which a shed is exempt from permitting entirely, commonly somewhere between 100 and 200 square feet depending on the jurisdiction. Cross that threshold and the shed falls under the same residential building permit path as any other accessory structure.
Adding electrical service, a dedicated subpanel, or plumbing to a shed can trigger permit requirements even on a shed that is otherwise small enough to be exempt, because trade work carries its own inspection requirement regardless of the structure's footprint.
What a shed permit costs
A basic shed permit fee is usually one of the lower-cost residential permits a city issues, often a flat rate tied to a valuation bracket for the structure. Add electrical or plumbing trade permits and the total climbs, since each trade typically carries its own separate fee and its own inspection.
Larger sheds built on a permanent foundation can also draw a plan review fee that a simple kit shed on skids would not.
How long review takes
Many cities process a basic shed permit same day or within a few business days, since the structure is small and the plan set is simple. Add a dedicated electrical subpanel or plumbing and review can stretch to one or two weeks while the city routes the trade permits through their own reviewers.
A final inspection closes out the permit once the shed is complete and any trade work has passed its own inspection.
What varies from city to city
The square footage threshold that triggers a permit is the single biggest variable, and it is not consistent: a shed that is exempt in one city can require a full permit in a neighboring one at the same size. Setback requirements from the property line, maximum height, and whether a shed counts toward a lot's overall accessory structure limit also differ by jurisdiction.
Some cities additionally cap the total square footage of all accessory structures combined, which can push a second shed into permit territory even if it would be exempt on its own.
What happens if you skip it
An unpermitted shed above the size threshold shows up the same way an unpermitted deck does: during a home sale, an insurance inspection, or a neighbor complaint that brings code enforcement out.
Cities can require the shed to be removed, moved to meet setbacks, or permitted after the fact with an inspection of the completed structure, and that after-the-fact process is usually pricier and slower than permitting before you build.
Find your city
Shed permit guides by city
AZ
CA
- Los Angeles, CA: Shed permit guide
- San Diego, CA: Shed permit guide
- San Francisco, CA: Shed permit guide
CO
DC
FL
- Jacksonville, FL: Shed permit guide
- Miami, FL: Shed permit guide
- Orlando, FL: Shed permit guide
- Tampa, FL: Shed permit guide
GA
IL
IN
MA
MI
MN
MO
NC
NV
OH
OR
PA
TN
TX
- Austin, TX: Shed permit guide
- Dallas, TX: Shed permit guide
- Houston, TX: Shed permit guide
- San Antonio, TX: Shed permit guide
UT
WA
Compare across cities
FAQ
Common shed permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed?
Only if it is above your city's size threshold, commonly around 100 to 200 square feet, or if you are adding electrical or plumbing to it. See the thresholds in the city guides below.
What size shed needs a permit?
It depends entirely on your city. Many set the line somewhere between 100 and 200 square feet, but some are lower and some are higher, so check your specific city's threshold before you build.
Does a shed with electrical work need a permit even if it's small?
Usually yes. Adding a subpanel, outlets, or lighting typically triggers an electrical permit regardless of whether the shed itself is under the size threshold.
How much does a shed permit cost?
Base shed permits tend to be among the cheaper residential permits, with the total rising if you add electrical, plumbing, or a plan review for a larger structure.
Can I be forced to remove an unpermitted shed?
Yes. Depending on the city and the violation, you may be required to permit it retroactively, modify it to meet setbacks, or remove it entirely.
Disclaimer: Informational only, not legal advice. Rules change. Verify with your city's permitting staff before you build.