Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed?

Short answerIt depends on your city or county, and usually on the shed's size. The 2015 International Residential Code exempts one-story detached sheds up to 200 square feet, but local limits vary, from 120 square feet in Tukwila, Washington to 50 in Bedford, Texas. Setbacks can apply either way, so confirm with your local building department.

What the model code says

The 2015 International Residential Code, as published by Springville, Utah, exempts one-story detached accessory structures, such as tool and storage sheds, with a floor area of 200 square feet or less. An exemption doesn't excuse work that breaks the code or local law.

Local examples show the range

These are examples only, and rules change.

Portland, Oregon: no building permit up to 200 square feet and 15 feet tall. Setbacks of 5 feet or more may apply.
Peachtree Corners, Georgia: no permit at 200 square feet or less.
Mukilteo, Washington: no permit for unheated sheds under 200 square feet.
Tukwila, Washington: exempt only up to 120 square feet, and separate from other buildings.
Bedford, Texas: a permit at 50 square feet or larger.
Louisville, Colorado: sheds are on its list of projects that need a permit.

No building permit doesn't mean no rules

Tukwila says projects still must meet setbacks, height limits and zoning. Federal Way, Washington says electrical or plumbing can need separate permits, and that work in critical areas such as wetlands isn't exempt. Adding power or water to a shed is a common reason to go back to the permit counter.

What to ask

Call or check the website of your city or county building department before you start, and give them your address and a short description of the job.

What size triggers a permit here?
How far must it sit from property lines?
Does electricity or plumbing change the answer?

Why it's worth asking first

Portland, Oregon's 2022 permit guide says inspections catch problems early, that buyers, realtors or lenders may require unpermitted work to be corrected before closing, and that a lack of permits and inspection approvals may void insurance. Even where no permit is needed, the work generally still has to meet code and zoning rules.

Permit offices in major cities

Common questions

Does a prebuilt shed need a permit?

The rules we reviewed turn on size and use rather than who built it, so ask your building department about a delivered shed just as you would one you build.

Do I need a permit for a 10x12 shed?

That's 120 square feet. It would be under the IRC's 200 square foot limit and at Tukwila's 120 square foot limit, but over Bedford's 50 square foot limit. Check your local rule.