Shed & Garage Permits in East Brandywine Township
Chester County, Pennsylvania
Everything you need to know about getting a permit for a shed, garage, or other accessory structure in East Brandywine Township.
Permit Type
Sheds are treated as accessory structures without a permanent foundation and require a Zoning Permit.
You must submit a plot plan and an impervious-coverage checklist, and pass a setback inspection and a final inspection.
Important: any accessory structure placed on a permanent foundation (detached garage, barn, or similar) requires a Building Permit, not just a zoning permit.
How to Apply
The township uses one combined Standard Building & Zoning Permit Application form that covers both zoning and building permits.
The application must be physically signed and delivered to the office — no online submission.
Payment: checks or exact cash only. Credit and debit cards are NOT accepted.
Submit the application along with your plot plan (showing setback distances), the impervious-coverage checklist, and the fee.
Download the application form: https://www.ebrandywine.org/DocumentCenter/View/720 (also found under Building Permits & Codes Enforcement in the township Document Center). You can also call the office to have a packet mailed.
Turnaround
Residential permit applications require an administration and review period of up to 15 business days.
Inspections require 24 hours' notice.
Fees
Garden sheds up to 250 sq ft: $50 flat fee with the zoning permit application.
Sheds larger than 250 sq ft: $75 zoning permit fee.
Adding electric: an additional $80 fee applies (and triggers an electrical inspection).
All fees are non-refundable and vary based on the specific type of residential or commercial construction, plumbing, or fire protection work.
DOUBLE FEE PENALTY: "ANY WORK REQUIRING PERMIT COMMENCED WITHOUT FIRST SECURING PERMIT WILL RESULT IN DOUBLE FEES." — East Brandywine Township (https://www.ebrandywine.org/296/Building-Permit-Codes-Enforcement).
Setbacks
Sheds up to a 12'x16' footprint (or equivalent square footage) and no taller than 12 ft: minimum 10 ft from the lot line.
Any detached shed or garage larger than a 12'x16' equivalent: minimum 15 ft from the lot line.
Sheds must be located in the rear or side yard only.
Contact
East Brandywine Township office: (610) 269-8230
1214 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown, PA — open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.
Honestly? It's usually simpler than it looks
Before you hand this off to anyone, we'd encourage you to just call or stop by the East Brandywine Township township office. The folks there handle shed and garage permits all the time — they'll give you the forms and walk you through filling them out. For a standard shed, most townships only need three things from you:
A certificate of insurance. Just ask and we'll email you a copy. It's easier to get than most people expect — see what one looks like.
A drawing / spec sheet of your building. We'll email you a copy of this too.
That's typically the whole list for a standard shed. Give it a shot yourself first — a lot of folks are pleasantly surprised at how quick it is. And if you get stuck or would just rather not deal with it, we're glad to help (see below).
We Deliver to East Brandywine Township
White Pine Structures handles delivery and setup throughout Chester County. We can also help you navigate the permit process — many of our customers in East Brandywine Township have gone through this before and we know what to expect.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a helpful reference and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with East Brandywine Township's code enforcement or zoning office before starting your project. White Pine Structures is not responsible for permit application outcomes. Information last verified: July 2026.