Planning & Permits
Do you need a permit for a shed in NJ? Short answer: you almost always need a zoning permit, and a construction permit if your structure exceeds 200 sq ft. But the details vary significantly by township. Here's what you need to know.
Updated for 2025–2026 • Based on NJ Uniform Construction Code & municipal ordinances
We handle permits so you don't have to.
White Pine Structures is a specialty builder of portable structures & detached buildings — not a general contractor. We help navigate your township's permit process. It starts with a $25 permit review — we find out what your township requires, prepare the documents (including your site plan and impervious coverage worksheet), and hand everything to you to submit under your own name. Approval isn't guaranteed, but the $25 is applied to your purchase when you move forward.
For simple, smaller buildings we handle the whole permit process for you. But for larger or double-wide structures — anything 16 ft wide and up — approval takes more legwork, and the single biggest thing that gets these across the finish line is you being willing to go to the township and talk with them personally. We prepare everything and coach you on exactly what to say, but a local homeowner advocating for their own project moves the needle in a way we simply can’t do remotely.
What a township prints on its paperwork doesn’t always reflect what they’ll actually approve in person — which is exactly why your involvement makes the difference on bigger builds. Think of it as a team effort: we do the heavy lifting, and your willingness to show up is often what gets a larger structure approved.
Every permit review is a flat $25 — big build or small — and it credits straight to your build when you move forward. Two honest heads-ups on larger builds: your township charges its own permit fee on top, and if they require sealed (engineer-stamped) drawings, those are prepared by an outside engineer at an additional cost. We’ll tell you exactly what your township needs before anything is spent.
New Jersey enforces the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) statewide through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Unlike some states, local municipalities cannot weaken the state code — they can only make it stricter.
No Construction Permit Needed If…
Construction Permit Required If…
Important: Even if your shed is under 200 sq ft and doesn't need a construction permit, you still need a zoning permit in virtually every NJ municipality. The zoning permit confirms your placement meets setback and lot coverage rules. Never skip this step.
NJ is a “home rule” state — each of its 564 municipalities can set its own zoning rules. Here are the specifics for towns in our delivery area.
Construction Permit: >200 sq ft or >10 ft tall
Side/Rear Setback: 5 ft side & rear
From Dwelling: 10 ft from dwelling
Max Height: 15 ft
Zoning permit required for all sizes. Close to our Parkesburg facility.
Construction Permit: >200 sq ft or >10 ft tall
Side/Rear Setback: 3 ft (<144 sq ft) / 5 ft (<500 sq ft) / 15 ft (>500 sq ft R-1)
From Dwelling: 10 ft or structure height (whichever greater)
Max Height: 16 ft
Max 2 detached accessory buildings per lot. 4" gravel base for 100–200 sq ft sheds.
Construction Permit: >200 sq ft
Side/Rear Setback: 5 ft rear & side (2 ft on undersized lots <1 acre if ≤10 ft tall)
From Dwelling: Per zone
Max Height: 15 ft
No front-yard placement. Undersized lots get relaxed 2 ft setback.
Construction Permit: >200 sq ft or >10 ft tall
Side/Rear Setback: 3 ft side & rear
From Dwelling: 20 ft from primary structure
Max Height: 15 ft
10 ft from other accessory structures (garage, pool). Footings ≥12" for 200–600 sq ft.
Construction Permit: >200 sq ft or >10 ft tall
Side/Rear Setback: 3 ft (≤150 sq ft) / zone-specific (>150 sq ft)
From Dwelling: Per zone
Max Height: 15 ft
Sheds >150 sq ft classified as accessory buildings with stricter rules.
Construction Permit: >200 sq ft or >10 ft tall
Side/Rear Setback: 5 ft (≤100 sq ft) / 10–15 ft (>100 sq ft by zone)
From Dwelling: Per zone
Max Height: 15 ft (pitched) / 12 ft (flat)
Size-based sliding setback scale. RBC cluster zones have 10 ft setback minimum.
Construction Permit: >200 sq ft or >10 ft tall
Side/Rear Setback: 5 ft side & rear (varies by zone)
From Dwelling: 10 ft from dwelling
Max Height: 15 ft
Flood zone properties face additional elevation and anchoring requirements.
Construction Permit: >100 sq ft (stricter than state)
Side/Rear Setback: Per zone
From Dwelling: Per zone
Max Height: 15 ft
Lower 100 sq ft threshold. Sheds ≥200 sq ft require a foundation. No permit needed ≤100 sq ft.
Don't see your town above? Here's the short answer for more of the towns we deliver to across South Jersey.
Camden County
In Camden a detached shed 200 sq ft or under and 10 ft or shorter is usually exempt from a construction permit, but you still need zoning approval confirming rear-yard placement and setbacks. Anything larger, or any electric, needs a permit. Confirm with the Camden construction/zoning office.
Cumberland County
Vineland follows the NJ rule: sheds 200 sq ft or under and under 10 ft typically skip the construction permit, but a zoning permit for setbacks and placement is required. Vineland is well within our delivery range. Confirm setbacks with the city zoning office.
Cumberland County
Bridgeton exempts small detached sheds (≤200 sq ft, ≤10 ft) from a construction permit but requires zoning approval for placement and setbacks — typically 3–5 ft side and rear, no front yard. Confirm with the Bridgeton zoning office.
Cumberland County
Millville applies the state exemption for sheds 200 sq ft or under and under 10 ft tall, while still requiring a zoning permit for setbacks and placement. Larger sheds need a construction permit. Confirm with the city construction/zoning office.
Gloucester County
Glassboro follows the NJ construction-permit exemption for small detached sheds but requires zoning approval confirming setbacks and rear-yard placement. Confirm your parcel's setbacks with the borough zoning office before ordering.
Gloucester County
Deptford Township exempts detached sheds 200 sq ft or under and under 10 ft from a construction permit, but a zoning permit for placement and setbacks is required for any size. Confirm with Deptford zoning.
Gloucester County
Washington Township (Gloucester County) follows the state shed exemption (≤200 sq ft, ≤10 ft) but requires a zoning permit for setbacks and placement. Anything larger, or utilities, needs a construction permit. Confirm with the township zoning office.
Burlington County
Mount Laurel exempts small detached sheds from a construction permit but requires zoning approval confirming setbacks (typically 5 ft side and rear) and rear-yard placement. Larger structures need a permit. Confirm with Mount Laurel zoning.
Burlington County
Mount Holly follows the NJ rule: sheds 200 sq ft or under and under 10 ft usually skip the construction permit, but you need zoning approval for setbacks and placement. Confirm with the township zoning office.
Salem County
Pennsville Township sits right across the river from Delaware and is well within our range. Small detached sheds are typically exempt from a construction permit, but a zoning permit for setbacks and placement is required. Confirm with the township zoning office.
Salem County
In Salem a shed 200 sq ft or under and under 10 ft tall usually does not need a construction permit, but zoning approval for setbacks and placement is required. Larger sheds and any electric need a permit. Confirm with the city zoning office.
Atlantic County
Hammonton follows the state exemption for small detached sheds while requiring a zoning permit for setbacks and rear-yard placement. Confirm the threshold and setbacks with the town zoning office before you order.
Monmouth County
Freehold applies the NJ construction-permit exemption for sheds 200 sq ft or under and under 10 ft, but requires a zoning permit for placement and setbacks. Larger structures need a construction permit. Confirm with the Freehold zoning office.
Camden County
Gloucester Township (which includes Sicklerville) exempts small detached sheds from a construction permit but requires zoning approval for setbacks and placement. Confirm your parcel's setbacks with the township zoning office.
Setbacks define how far your shed must be from property lines, other structures, and the street. NJ municipalities typically enforce these rules:
Rear yard placement only
Most townships prohibit sheds in front yards entirely. The rear building line of your home is usually the forward limit for shed placement.
Side & rear property line setbacks
Typically 3–5 feet for smaller sheds, 10–15 feet for larger structures. Varies by township and zoning district.
Distance from primary dwelling
Usually 10–20 feet from your home. Some towns use “10 ft or the height of the structure, whichever is greater.”
Corner lot double-frontage
Corner lots have two “front yards” from a zoning perspective. Front-yard setbacks apply to both street-facing sides.
Easement restriction
No shed may be placed within any utility, drainage, or access easement — regardless of size or permit status.
Lot coverage limits
Your shed footprint counts toward the total impervious coverage for your lot. Typical maximums: 35–40% of lot area depending on zone.
100–200 sq ft (Under threshold)
May not require a foundation extending below the frost line, provided the structure is dimensionally stable (floor system tied to walls). Must be placed on a gravel bed at least 4 inches deep or have another frost-protected design. Must be anchored at all four corners.
200–600 sq ft
Requires a more detailed base, footing, or foundation. Many municipalities (like South Orange) require footings a minimum of 12 inches deep for structures in this range with an eave height of 10 feet or more.
Our structures
All White Pine structures include a 4×4 pressure-treated runner foundation system, which satisfies most NJ requirements for portable sheds. We coordinate with your local code office when needed. See our site preparation guide for gravel pad specifications.
Call your municipal zoning department first — before your building department. They’ll confirm setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and whether your property is in a flood zone or historic district. Many NJ towns handle zoning and construction permits through the same office.
Most NJ municipalities require a scaled plot plan or property survey showing the proposed shed location relative to property lines, the dwelling, and any other structures. If you don’t have a recent survey, your municipality may accept a hand-drawn site plan for smaller sheds.
A zoning permit is required in virtually every NJ township, even for small sheds that don’t need a construction permit. This confirms your shed placement complies with local ordinances. Typical turnaround is 1–2 weeks.
If your shed exceeds 200 sq ft, is taller than 10 ft, or includes electrical/plumbing, you’ll need a construction permit. Submit three sets of construction plans — for owner-occupied single-family homes, you can prepare the plans yourself.
Permit fees in NJ are typically $50–$200+ based on square footage, plus additional fees for electrical or plumbing subcode work. Once issued, display the permit placard visible from the street during construction.
After delivery and installation, schedule the required inspections — typically a final building inspection for sheds, plus electrical inspection if wired. We’ll coordinate timing with your inspector when possible.
$25–$75
Zoning permit only
$50–$200+
Construction permit (based on sq ft)
$50–$150
Electrical subcode (if wiring added)
Fees vary by municipality. Most NJ towns calculate construction permit fees based on the square footage of the structure. Budget $100–$300 total for a typical shed project, more if you're adding utilities.
NJ municipalities actively enforce permit requirements. Building without the proper permits can result in:
A $100–$200 permit is far cheaper than a $2,000 fine plus the cost of removing and reinstalling your shed.
Homeowner Associations
HOA covenants are often stricter than municipal regulations. Many NJ HOAs restrict shed placement, require architectural review, limit colors/materials, or prohibit sheds entirely. Check your HOA rules before applying for a municipal permit.
Flood Zones
Properties in FEMA-designated flood hazard areas (common along the NJ coast and rivers) face additional elevation and anchoring requirements. Your structure may need to be elevated above the base flood elevation (BFE). The zoning office can tell you if your property is in a flood zone.
Historic Districts
If your property is in a designated historic district, you may need approval from the local historic preservation commission — including review of materials, colors, and architectural style.
We deliver to Cherry Hill and throughout southern and central New Jersey. Our team can help you understand your local requirements and provide the documentation your township needs.
Now that you know the permit requirements, explore our buildings:
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