Permits
Do I need a permit for a shed?
The short answer: probably yes, but it depends on your township. Shed permit rules vary by municipality, not just by state, so there’s no single number that makes a shed “permit-free.” Here’s how the rules generally work across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware — and how to find out exactly what your property needs.
The township-by-township reality
People search for “do I need a permit for a shed” expecting a clean yes/no answer based on size. The reality is messier. Building codes and zoning ordinances are set at the municipal level, not the state level, in every state we serve. Two townships five miles apart can have completely different size thresholds, setback requirements, and permit fees. Here’s what’s generally true:
Size thresholds exist, but they’re not universal
Most townships exempt very small sheds (typically under 100–200 sq ft) from a building permit. But “exempt from a building permit” is not the same as “no rules.” Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) almost always apply regardless of size.
Setbacks apply to almost every shed
Your building must be a minimum distance from property lines, your home, and the street. Typical setbacks range from 3–15 feet, depending on your zoning district. Corner lots and properties near wetlands or flood zones often have stricter rules.
Electrical and finished interiors always need a permit
If you’re adding electricity, plumbing, insulation, or using the shed as a living or working space, expect a building permit and an electrical permit in virtually every jurisdiction. The electrical work must be done by a contractor licensed in the state where the shed sits.
Don’t rely on internet articles (including this one) as a substitute for calling your township. Rules change, exemptions have conditions, and your specific property may have overlays (flood zone, historic district, HOA) that override the general rule. We deal with permits every week and we’re happy to help — but the final authority is always your local zoning office.
Permit guides by state
We’ve written a detailed permit guide for each state we serve. Start with yours.
Pennsylvania
No statewide exemption — every township sets its own rules. Some exempt sheds under 100–200 sq ft from a building permit, others require one for any structure. Electrical always needs a permit and a licensed electrician.
Read the full guideNew Jersey
Most municipalities exempt sheds under 100 sq ft from building permits, but zoning approval (setbacks, lot coverage) is still required. Anything with electrical, plumbing, or a finished interior needs a full permit.
Read the full guideMaryland
The typical threshold is 200 sq ft — under that, many counties exempt you from a building permit. Zoning setbacks still apply. Structures with electrical or used as habitable space always need permits.
Read the full guideDelaware
Generally 100 sq ft is the threshold, though counties and municipalities vary. Sheds near the coast face additional flood-zone and elevation requirements.
Read the full guideWe also have garage-specific permit guides for each state.
How we help with permits
$25 permit review
We pull your township’s specific zoning rules — setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, and what you’ll actually need to file — and send you a clear summary so you know exactly where you stand before you order.
Learn about our permit reviewPermit-ready plan sets
We produce the architectural plans and engineering documents your township needs to issue the permit. Most customers get the plan set as part of their order.
See our permit plan setsPlot plan template
Many townships require a plot plan showing where the shed sits on your lot. We have a free template and an interactive tool to help you draw one.
Get the plot plan templateShed permit questions, answered
Do I need a permit for a small shed?
It depends entirely on your township. In many municipalities across PA, NJ, MD, and DE, sheds under a certain square footage (often 100–200 sq ft) are exempt from building permits — but they’re almost never exempt from zoning. That means you still need to follow setback rules, height limits, and lot coverage maximums even if no permit is required. The only way to know for sure is to call your local zoning office.
What’s the size limit before a permit is required?
There’s no single answer. Pennsylvania has no statewide exemption — every township sets its own rules. New Jersey exempts sheds under 100 sq ft from building permits in most municipalities (but zoning still applies). Maryland’s threshold is typically 200 sq ft, and Delaware is usually 100 sq ft. But these are rough guidelines — your specific township may have different limits, and any shed with electrical, plumbing, or a finished interior almost always needs a permit regardless of size.
What are setback requirements?
Setbacks are the minimum distance your building must be from property lines, your house, and the street. Typical rear-yard setbacks range from 3 to 15 feet depending on your zoning district, and side-yard setbacks are often 5–10 feet. Corner lots usually have stricter rules. Your township zoning office can tell you the exact numbers for your property.
Do I need a permit for a shed with electricity?
Almost always yes. Adding electrical to an accessory structure triggers both a building permit and an electrical permit in nearly every jurisdiction. The electrical work itself must be done by a licensed electrician in the state where the building sits. We pre-wire during construction so the electrician only needs to connect to your panel.
What happens if I build without a permit?
If the township discovers an unpermitted structure, they can require you to apply for a retroactive permit (which may cost more), make you bring the building up to current code, or in the worst case order it removed. Unpermitted structures can also surface when you sell your home — a title search or home inspection often catches them, and they can delay or kill a sale.
Can you help me figure out what I need?
Yes. We handle permits across PA, NJ, MD, and DE every week. Call us or include your township on your quote request and we’ll tell you what’s typically required there. We also offer a $25 permit review where we pull your township’s specific rules — setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, and what you’ll need to file.
Does an HOA change the rules?
An HOA adds a layer on top of the township rules — it doesn’t replace them. You’ll need to satisfy both the township permit/zoning requirements and whatever your HOA’s covenants say about outbuildings (size limits, placement, siding colors, roof style). Check with your HOA board before ordering.
Not sure what your township requires?
Tell us your address or township and what you’re planning to build. We’ll tell you what’s typically required there and walk you through the next step.
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