Shed & Garage Permits in Upper Dublin Township
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Everything you need to know about getting a permit for a shed, garage, or other accessory structure in Upper Dublin Township.
Permit Requirements
ALL applications are filed online ONLINE ONLY, through the township's OpenGov portal at https://upperdublinpa.portal.opengov.com/ . Paper applications are not accepted.
Homeowners can apply themselves ("whether you are using a contractor or not").
Any new shed first needs a Zoning Review Pre-Permit Submittal Form. The Zoning Officer checks setbacks plus building and impervious coverage.
Sheds UNDER 120 sq ft: zoning permit only ($50).
Sheds 120 sq ft AND OVER: zoning review, then a building permit reviewed by Code Enforcement under the PA Uniform Construction Code, plus a grading permit.
Starting work before the permit is issued = late fee equal to the permit fee (up to $1,000).
What to Submit (shed)
Plot plan: scaled drawing of the lot showing the house, all existing sheds/patios/pools, the new shed, and its distance to each property line. Montgomery County's property records map can be printed as a starting point; a surveyor plan may be required on complex lots
Building & Impervious Coverage Form: lists lot size, house, garage, driveway, patios, sheds, and the new shed, so the township can check coverage limits
Shed drawings/specs and the construction cost (the permit fee is based on cost)
Your zoning district: look it up with the Address Lookup on upperdublin.net, then View Zoning Map
How It Actually Works on the Portal
The homeowner opens the account on OpenGov and can add White Pine Structures to the application with the portal's "Assign to Another" button, so we can help fill it out and upload papers.
Before a contractor can be added, the township wants that business registered to work in Upper Dublin (a Contractor Registration application) with a Certificate of Insurance on file. White Pine Structures is already registered with the township.
Order it went in for a 10x20 shed (Oct 2026): Zoning Review Pre-Permit Submittal first (filed Sep 28, zoning letter back Oct 2, about 4 days), then the Residential Accessory Structure Permit.
Ignore the other application types on the portal (plumbing, property transfer and so on). They are not part of a shed permit.
The Zoning Letter (What to Expect)
When zoning review passes, the township sends a "Zoning Compliance Confirmation" letter with your ZONE number, signed by the Zoning Officer (Riley McGrath).
It means your shed meets the zoning rules (setbacks, coverage) and needs no variance, conditional use or land development approval.
It is NOT a permit. You may not place or build the shed yet. The letter itself says no work may start until all required permits are issued.
Next step: submit the building permit (Residential Accessory Structure Permit) on the portal. Keep the ZONE number handy.
The letter lists the property owner on county records. If you rent, the owner shown there is who the township treats as the owner.
If you change the shed's size or spot after the letter, zoning may need to review it again.
Coverage Limits (most common home districts)
A, A1, A2 Residential: 15% building / 25% impervious
B and C Residential: 20% building / 30% impervious
NH Residential: 20% building / 35% impervious
A shed counts toward BOTH building and impervious coverage
Stormwater
400 sq ft or more of NEW impervious surface: stormwater management required (seepage bed or rain garden)
700 sq ft or more: a stormwater plan signed and sealed by a licensed professional
Most sheds (plus a gravel pad) stay under 400 sq ft
Fees (township fee schedule, amended through Aug 2026)
Shed under 120 sq ft: $50 zoning permit
Shed 120 sq ft and over: building permit $25 per $1,000 of construction cost ($150 minimum)
Grading permit, sheds over 80 sq ft: $150
State UCC fee: $4.50
Example: a $6,000 10x20 shed is about $150 + $150 + $4.50 = $304.50
Fees are billed once the application is complete. Credit cards add a non-refundable processing fee; cash or check at the township avoids it
Setbacks & Height
In B, C and NH Residential districts, a shed of fire-resistant construction can sit as close as 4 ft to the side and rear property lines
Maximum height: 22 ft, or the height of the house, whichever is less
Other districts differ. Confirm with the Zoning Office before placing
Contact
Code Enforcement (permits): [email protected], 215-643-1600 ext. 8070, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Zoning Office: Riley McGrath, [email protected], 215-643-1600 ext. 3213
Engineering (grading/stormwater): 215-643-1600 ext. 3233
Township office: 801 Loch Alsh Ave, Fort Washington, PA 19034 (fax 215-542-0797)
Township Documents
Online permit portal (OpenGov): https://upperdublinpa.portal.opengov.com/
Building & Impervious Coverage Form: https://www.upperdublin.net/home/showpublisheddocument/3895/639219669692830000
Code Enforcement page: https://www.upperdublin.net/government/departments/code-enforcement
Honestly? It's usually simpler than it looks
Upper Dublin Township only takes permit applications online, through its permit portal at upperdublinpa.portal.opengov.com — no paper forms. You can still call the township office with questions; they handle shed and garage permits all the time. 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.
Going on a concrete pad? Some townships ask for the foundation specs. Print our concrete foundation spec sheet.
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 Upper Dublin Township
White Pine Structures handles delivery and placement throughout Montgomery County. We can also help you navigate the permit process — many of our customers in Upper Dublin 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 Upper Dublin Township's code enforcement or zoning office before starting your project. White Pine Structures is not responsible for permit application outcomes. Information last verified: October 2026.