Written by Ibrahim Khan · · Updated · 5 min read
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed?
Size, position and your local rules — the three things that decide whether you need a permit.
The honest answer is: it depends on where you live, and the three factors below are where the answer comes from. This is how to find yours in about ten minutes.
Size is the biggest factor
Most areas exempt small sheds from a permit up to a size threshold — commonly around 100 to 120 square feet, though it varies widely and some places set a height limit instead. A 8x10 (80 sq ft) is often exempt; a 12x16 (192 sq ft) almost always needs one. Check your threshold, not a general rule.
Position matters too
Even a small shed may need a permit (or at least a setback check) if it sits close to a property line, behind a corner, or in a flood zone. Setbacks are the distance your shed must stay back from the boundaries, and they are separate from the permit question.
How to check in ten minutes
Search your city or county's building division for 'accessory structure' or 'small structure exemption'. Call the building office — they answer quickly and they are used to this exact question. Bring your lot dimensions and the shed footprint; they will tell you the threshold, the setback, and whether you need a drawing.
Why check before you build
An unpermitted shed can be a headache later: it can complicate a future sale, an inspection for another project, or a neighbour dispute. Confirming the rule costs a phone call. The full pack includes a permit checklist that walks these exact questions, so you know what to ask before you break ground.