Not a government site. Always confirm with your local building department before you build. About us

Building Permit Requirements
Menu

How big a shed can be without a permit

There is no single national answer: each city sets its own limit. Of the 19 city shed rules we verified, 16 state a limit in the city’s own wording; they are below, with the model code wording many cities start from. The other 3 (Jacksonville, Fort Worth and Charlotte) do not state one of these limits for sheds by name; their pages quote what they do say.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Shed limits by city
  2. The model code wording (IRC R105.2)
  3. Sources

Cities exempt small detached sheds from a building permit when the floor area stays under a limit, and often add conditions: one story, no utilities, a height cap, or compliance with zoning setbacks. Limits differ by city, and some cities still require a zoning permit for an exempt shed.

Measure floor area from the outside of the walls, and check how the city counts an overhang or a second shed. Electrical service to a shed needs an electrical permit even when the shed itself is exempt.

Shed limits by city

CityRuleValueThe city’s wording
New York City, NYExempt up to this area120 square feetThe shed shall not exceed 120 square feet in area and shall not be more than 7’6” in height…1
New York City, NYExempt up to this height7.5 feetThe shed shall not exceed 120 square feet in area and shall not be more than 7’6” in height…1
Los Angeles, CAExempt up to this area120 square feetOne-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11.148 m2), not located in Fire District No. 1 and does not contain any heating, plumbing or electrical installation, and is located as permitted by Chapter I of the LAMC.2
Chicago, ILExempt up to this area150 square feetInstalling, altering, or removing a single-story detached structure that is not more than 15 feet tall, without plumbing, and used as a tool or storage shed, open gazebo, playhouse, or similar use, or that is purely decorative ( such as a sculpture) , provided that the footprint is 150 square feet or less…3
Chicago, ILExempt up to this height15 feetInstalling, altering, or removing a single-story detached structure that is not more than 15 feet tall, without plumbing, and used as a tool or storage shed, open gazebo, playhouse, or similar use, or that is purely decorative ( such as a sculpture) , provided that the footprint is 150 square feet or less…3
Phoenix, AZExempt up to this area200 square feet…one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, non-cantilevered shade structures, and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than [...] 200 square feet…4
San Antonio, TXExempt up to this area300 square feetOne-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed three hundred (300) square feet (27.9 m2).5
San Diego, CAExempt up to this area120 square feetOne-story detached accessory buildings supported on the ground and used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses provided the projected roof area is 120 square feet or less and the structure will not be utilized for any separately regulated use subject to Land Development Code Chapter 14, Article 1.6
Dallas, TXExempt up to this area200 square feetErection of one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, that are located on property that contains a single-family or duplex premises and that do not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in floor area.7
San Jose, CAExempt up to this area120 square feetOne-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2).8
Columbus, OHExempt up to this area200 square feetBuilding permit required over 200 square feet.9
Indianapolis, INExempt up to this area120 square feetErection of a structure which spans one hundred twenty (120) square feet or less of base area, is less than fifteen (15) feet in height, is not placed on or attached to a permanent foundation and does not contain an electrical power distribution system, heating system, space heating equipment, cooling system, or space cooling equipment…10
Indianapolis, INExempt up to this height15 feetErection of a structure which spans one hundred twenty (120) square feet or less of base area, is less than fifteen (15) feet in height, is not placed on or attached to a permanent foundation and does not contain an electrical power distribution system, heating system, space heating equipment, cooling system, or space cooling equipment…10
San Francisco, CAExempt up to this area120 square feetThe maximum allowable size or area for a storage shed exempt from permit is 120 square feet (SF) of floor area per SFBC 106A.2.11
San Francisco, CAExempt up to this height10 feetThe maximum allowable height for a storage shed exempt from permit is one-story per SFBC 106A.2 and not more than 10 feet high per San Francisco Planning Code Section 136(c)23, as measured from the perimeter grade of the shed to the top of the shed’s roof.11
Seattle, WAExempt up to this area120 square feetThe total area (or “footprint”) of the shed’s roof is 120 square feet or less.12
Denver, COExempt up to this area200 square feet…no more than 200 square feet of projected roof area, 8-ft top plate height, or 14-ft maximum height to any point.13
Denver, COExempt up to this height14 feet…no more than 200 square feet of projected roof area, 8-ft top plate height, or 14-ft maximum height to any point.13
Oklahoma City, OKExempt up to this area200 square feet…provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (I 8.58 m2)…14
Oklahoma City, OKExempt up to this height10 feet…the overall building height is 10 feet or less, and the building is not located on a permanent foundation.14
Philadelphia, PAExempt up to this area200 square feetDetached structures, like sheds, for one-or-two-family dwellings, 200 sq. ft. or less…15
Austin, TXExempt up to this area200 square feetA one-story detached accessory structure that is no more than 200 square feet (18.58 m2 ) of floor area, no more than 15 feet (4,572 mm) in height, does not create a dwelling, contains no plumbing, and is not located within a flood hazard area.16
Austin, TXExempt up to this height15 feetA one-story detached accessory structure that is no more than 200 square feet (18.58 m2 ) of floor area, no more than 15 feet (4,572 mm) in height, does not create a dwelling, contains no plumbing, and is not located within a flood hazard area.16

The model code wording (IRC R105.2)

The International Residential Code (IRC) is a model code. It is law only where a state or city adopts it, usually with changes, so the wording below shows how the model reads in published government copies, not the rule where you live.

  • Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58m2)…17 As published by Federal Way, WA (2021 IRC wording, with Washington and local amendments).
  • Other than storm shelters, one story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 mm) IRC Residential Code…18 As published by Bluffdale, UT.
  • One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2).19 As published by Warner, NH (2015 IRC).
  • 1. Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet (18.58 m2).20 As published by Connecticut (statewide) (2022 CSBC amendments to the 2021 IRC).
  • One-story detached accessory building (10’-0” minimum separation to other structures) provided the floor area does not exceed 800 square feet and provided that the structure complies with the building setback requirements set forth in Title 17 governing zoning and Title 18 governing critical area protection.21 As published by Grays Harbor County, WA (IRC with county amendments, § 15.04.030).

For permits, fees and inspections city by city, see the shed permit guide.

Sources

  1. 1 RCNY §101-14 Categories of work that may or may not require a permitCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. SEC. 91.101. TITLE, PURPOSE, AND SCOPE. (LAMC Ch. IX, Art. 1, Div. 1)City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Municipal Code, hosted by American Legal Publishing)Effective December 31, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  3. What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? (Full List)City of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  4. 2024 International Building Code Administrative Provisions (IBC Chapter 1), Phoenix amendmentsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Chapter 10 Building-Related Codes (2024 International Building-Related Codes), City Code of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentEffective May 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. SDMC Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 2: Building Permit ProceduresCity of San Diego, San Diego Municipal Code (docs.sandiego.gov, Office of the City Clerk)Revised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Chapter 52: Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes (City of Dallas booklet, current through April 23,…City of Dallas, Planning & Development DepartmentLast updated April 23, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Draft Ordinance amending Title 24 (Technical Codes) of the San José Municipal Code (Council Agenda 10/28/2025, Item…City of San José, City Council (Legistar)Published October 16, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  9. BZS Frequently Asked QuestionsCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  10. 2016 Building Standards and Procedures of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis (Chapter 536 etc.)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 1, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  11. Frequently Asked Questions: Storage Sheds Exempt from a Building PermitCity and County of San Francisco, Department of Building InspectionChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Sheds - Construction and InspectionsCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Residential Sheds - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Amendments, 2018 International Residential Code (City of Oklahoma City and State of Oklahoma)City of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterChecked November 7, 2026
  15. Get a Building PermitCity of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  16. Work Exempt From Building Permits | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  17. International Residential Code (IRC), Section R105.2City of Federal Way, WA, Community DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  18. Exempt from permit 2023City of Bluffdale, UT, Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  19. Work Exempt from Permits, 2015 IRCTown of Warner, NHChecked November 7, 2026
  20. 2022 Connecticut State Building Code (w/ Errata #1)State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services, Office of the State Building InspectorEffective October 1, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Development Assistance Bulletin: International Residential Code Work Exempt from PermitsGrays Harbor County, WA, Planning and Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026