Do You Need a Permit for a Shed?

There are so many different uses for a shed. You might already know exactly what you want a new shed to do for you, or you may just want to add this structure to your property so you can grow into it over time.
Whatever the case may be, the starting point for this project is to understand what is required to bring it to life. There are plenty of questions to answer, including who you will work with to build the shed, how big it will be, and more. Also, do you need a permit for this project? That last question is our priority on this page.
To order a shed that is precisely what you have in mind and will exceed your highest expectations, work with American Steel Carports, Inc. today. We make it easy to create something ideal for your needs with our Build & Price tool. You can also connect with us easily if you have any questions about the process.
Do You Need a Permit for a Shed?
Sadly, the only honest, accurate answer to the question posed in the title of this article is “maybe”. You might need to have a permit in order to build a shed on your property, but you might not. This is a matter that is dependent on a number of factors, so there is no way to say with certainty what the situation will be in your area.
If you live in a city with a significant population, there are very likely to be permit requirements in place. Such areas are typically quite regulated with regard to new structures. If you live in a more rural area, those requirements may be reduced and you might not have to file for a permit. You can’t just assume that to be true, however – it’s important to check into the situation for yourself and get a solid answer before moving forward.
Some Restrictions May Apply
During the permit research process, you may discover that there are some limitations on what you are going to be able to do with your new shed. Depending on the rules and regulations that apply to your structure, you might have to adjust your plans to fall within the limits of what is allowed.
For example, there might be restrictions on how close your shed can be placed to fences and property lines. These are known as “set-back” rules, and they are common in cities. You could also encounter rules about how big your shed can be, either in terms of square feet or in terms of height. It’s obviously important to know about these rules before you dive into the process of designing and ordering your shed structure.
What Can Happen If You Skip Permitting?
Some people are tempted to simply skip out on the permitting process altogether. After all, is anyone really going to notice if you add a shed to your property without doing the paperwork?
Well, it’s hard to say. It’s possible that you could get away with it, at least for a while. However, this would be an expensive risk to take. If it is discovered that you didn’t get a permit for your shed, or if you build a shed that isn’t allowed under local regulations, you might have to take it down entirely. That’s just not worth it. You’ll be much better off having the permit in place and knowing that you are on the right side of the law.
Get Started Right Away
The best advice that we can give regarding getting a permit for your shed – other than saying that you should do it – is to get started right away. Usually, any frustrations that come along with the permitting process are related to how long it can take to get it all finished and have the permit in hand. So put time on your side by starting right away. If you get going immediately and take the steps required to secure a permit, you won’t have to stress at the last minute, and the whole project will be much smoother.
Build a Custom Shed
There’s no reason to let the need for a permit stop you from creating the ideal shed for your needs. Sure, getting a permit can be kind of a hassle – if you need one – but that part of the project will be completed soon enough, and you can look forward to many years of excellent performance from your new building. Turn to American Steel Carports, Inc. today to make it happen!