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Do I need a building permit for a backyard shed?
Generally, a building permit is not required for a backyard shed. Some counties and municipalities do require permits and these can be obtained at your city or county clerk’s office.
Getting a storage shed for your backyard can be exciting. It’s like buying a small house, only most people do not live in a shed. Even though a shed may only take up 300 to 700 cubic feet of space, many areas require a building permit prior to the installation. Not all areas require a building permit, however, you need to read this article in case your area requires a building permit for sheds.
In most areas installing an 8×8 or 6×8 shed would meet most building code requirements. However, installing larger sheds may challenge local zoning restrictions.
It’s important to contact your local building inspector to see if your storage building is up to code. It is up to the homeowner to obtain a building permit prior to installation!
Each county has different building codes so it is crucial for you to make sure you get accurate information. If a shed is installed on your property and is then found to be in violation of local building codes, it will have to be removed which can be an unnecessary additional cost.
Will My Shed Meet the Building Code Requirements to Obtain a Permit?
You need to find out the requirements from your city or county clerk. Your builder can then build the building to meet code.
You will need to find a shed dealer that does custom work in some cases. Most cookie cutter shed dealers are not equipped to alter their buildings to meet code. Dealers have sheds shipped in from a factory as opposed to a local builder that builds their own.
Most Common Zoning Restrictions:
1. Electricity: Many areas place restrictions on adding electrical wiring inside a shed.
2. Size: Many areas restrict larger sized buildings. I recently sold a shed, but we had to change the roof pitch from 6/12 to 8/12 to meet local code. By working with a local builder, your shed can be altered if necessary to meet local requirements.
3. Extreme Weather: Some areas that experience frequent hurricanes and tornadoes will require all storage buildings to be anchored to the ground to withstand heavy winds. In addition, areas below freezing point will require specific methods for building foundations.
4. Placement: Many areas will only allow sheds to be installed in backyards. In addition, some areas mandate that sheds cannot occupy more than 20% of the backyard area.
5. Purpose: Some areas may restrict the amount of “stories” inside a shed. Sheds should have a principle use. For example, if you plan on doing business or using your shed as a workplace, you will need to let your building inspector know.
6. Attachments: Many areas may restrict whether storage buildings are attached to homes.
7. Type of Foundation: Some areas will restrict the type of foundation used.
8. Away from fences and other objects: Some areas will require sheds to be a certain distance from objects such as fences, trees, property lines and pools.
How to Get a Building Permit for My Shed
Make sure your building permit is up to date. To avoid wasting time and money, call your county or city building codes department to get a building permit for your shed.
Detailed drawings of the building are often required and can be obtained from your builder. A drawing of where on your property the building will be located is also needed at times.
Should You Hire a Shed Professional?
Remember, building and zoning permit requirements will vary from one location to another. Always verify city and county requirements before buying or building a shed. Hiring a professional to help with the permit application process and advise you on shed options can make your project a breeze.