Phase 1 — Before You Apply

• Determine your permit jurisdiction — Are you inside a city, inside a county, or in an unincorporated area? Your permit authority depends on this. Contact your local government or use your county assessor's website to verify.
• Find your local permit threshold — Call your city or county building department and ask: "What is the permit exemption threshold for a detached residential accessory structure (shed)?" Note the answer: ___ sq ft.
• Measure your shed's footprint — Width × Depth = _____ sq ft. Confirm whether this is above or below your local threshold.
• Check your zoning district — Ask your planning department whether accessory structures are permitted in your zoning district and what restrictions apply (rear yard only, height limit, lot coverage, etc.).
• Check for HOA restrictions — If you're in an HOA, review your CC&Rs or contact your HOA management company before proceeding. Get HOA approval in writing before applying for a permit.
• Check FEMA flood zone status — Look up your property at msc.fema.gov. If your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone A or AE), additional permits and requirements apply.
• Note utility lines and easements — Call 811 (national "Call Before You Dig" hotline) to mark underground utilities. Review your property plat for drainage, utility, or access easements. Sheds cannot be placed over easements.

Phase 2 — Gathering Your Documents

• Property survey or plat map — Most building departments require a current property survey or plat showing your lot lines. In some jurisdictions (like Raleigh, NC) a new signed-and-sealed survey is required. In others, a copy of your original plat is sufficient.
• Site plan — A simple drawing (hand-drawn is fine for most small sheds) showing: your lot boundaries, your house footprint, the proposed shed location, and the distance from the shed to each property line. Must be drawn to a scale (or with dimensions clearly labeled).
• Shed dimensions — Width, depth, and height of the proposed shed. Note wall height separately from peak height if the roof has a pitch.
• Foundation type — Will the shed sit on concrete blocks, a gravel pad, a poured concrete slab, piers, or wood skids? Note this in your application.
• Manufacturer specs / engineering plans (if required) — For larger sheds or jurisdictions requiring engineering, obtain the manufacturer's specification sheet or hire a licensed engineer for stamped plans. Ask your building department what's required for your specific shed size and type.
• Electrical plan (if adding power) — If you plan to run electricity to the shed, prepare a description of the electrical work: number of circuits, outlets, lighting fixtures, sub-panel vs. direct feed. A licensed electrician can prepare this as part of their permit application.
• Septic approval (if applicable) — If your property is on a septic system, contact your county health department for approval before submitting your building permit application. (Required in Wake County NC, Hillsborough County FL, and many other jurisdictions.)
• HOA written approval — If your HOA requires it, obtain written architectural review approval before submitting permit applications.

Phase 3 — Submitting Your Application

• Download or locate the permit application form — Most building departments have their forms on their website. Some offer online submission portals. Search for "[your city] residential permit application" or "[your county] accessory structure permit."
• Complete the application — Include your property address, legal description (from your deed or appraisal record), owner name, contractor name (or "owner-builder" if you're acting as your own contractor), and description of work.
• Submit application and documents — Online (most common), by mail, or in person at the building department office. Keep a copy of everything you submit.
• Pay the permit fee — Fees vary by jurisdiction. Typical range: $50–$400 for a residential shed permit. Ask whether you need to pay upfront or after plan review.
• Record Notice of Commencement (Florida only) — If you're in Florida, file your Notice of Commencement with your county clerk before the first inspection. Bring a certified copy to your first inspection appointment.
• Note your permit number and review timeline — Ask: "When should I expect approval?" Note the permit number when issued. Permit number: ___________________

Phase 4 — During and After Construction

• Do not begin construction before permit is issued — Starting before permit issuance is a common cause of fines and stop-work orders. Wait for your permit card or written approval before breaking ground.
• Post the permit on-site — Most jurisdictions require the permit to be posted visibly on the property during construction. Use a zip-lock bag to protect it from weather.
• Schedule foundation inspection (if required) — If your permit requires a foundation or footing inspection, schedule it before placing the shed on its foundation. The inspector must see the foundation before it's covered.
• Schedule framing inspection (if required) — For built-in-place sheds, a framing inspection is typically required before walls are sheathed or covered.
• Electrical rough-in inspection (if adding power) — Before wiring is covered by drywall or sheathing, an electrical inspection is required. Schedule through your electrical permit.
• Final inspection — After the shed is complete, schedule your final inspection. The inspector verifies that the shed is in the correct location (setbacks), that it matches the permitted plans, and that any inspected systems (electrical) are compliant.
• Receive final approval / Certificate of Completion — After passing final inspection, you'll receive a final approval or certificate. Keep this document with your home records — you'll need it when you sell the property.
• Verify with HOA (if applicable) — Send photos or documentation of the completed shed to your HOA as required by your CC&Rs.

Quick Reference: Important Numbers to Note