Shed Permit Quiz
Answer each question honestly for the most accurate result. This tool uses state-level permit thresholds as defaults — always verify with your local building department.
Setback distances determine where on your lot a shed can legally be placed — even permit-exempt sheds must comply.
What This Quiz Checks
This quiz uses verified state-level permit exemption thresholds for all 50 states to evaluate whether your shed likely requires a building permit. It evaluates five factors that most commonly determine permit requirements:
- State: Each state has a default size threshold below which sheds are typically permit-exempt. These range from 100 sq ft (Florida baseline) to 256 sq ft (Virginia).
- Square footage: The most common permit trigger. Sheds above your state's threshold almost always require a permit.
- Attached vs. detached: Sheds attached to your home are treated as additions and require a permit regardless of size.
- Electrical: Any electrical work — even a single outlet — requires a separate electrical permit in every state.
- HOA: HOA rules are private deed restrictions — separate from building permits. Your quiz result covers the government permit requirement; HOA approval is a separate step.
⚠️ Important Limitations
This quiz provides a starting-point assessment based on state-level defaults. Your city or county may have a lower (stricter) threshold than your state default. Always verify the current rules with your local building department before building. Denver, for example, requires a zoning permit for all sheds regardless of size — stricter than Colorado's general default.
Common Questions About the Quiz
Your neighbor may be right — and the quiz may also be right. The quiz uses statewide default thresholds, but your city or county may be stricter. For example, the default for Texas is 200 sq ft, but the City of Austin's limit is 120 sq ft. If you're in an incorporated city, check your city's building department website or call them directly to get the local threshold, which may differ from the state default used in this quiz.
No. A "no permit required" result means a building permit may not be needed — but setback rules (minimum distances from property lines) still apply to all sheds in almost every jurisdiction. Setbacks come from your local zoning code, not from the building permit rules. Violating setbacks can require you to move or remove your shed even years later. Always check your local setback requirements before placing your shed.
The quiz doesn't account for flood zones or wildfire zones, which can trigger permit requirements regardless of shed size. If your property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), a floodplain development permit is likely required for any permanent structure. In wildfire-prone areas (especially Colorado, California, Oregon, and Washington), local fire mitigation rules may also apply. Check your flood zone status at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) and contact your local building department about wildfire zone requirements.
Want the Full Rules for Your State?
Browse our detailed guides covering permit thresholds, setbacks, fees, application steps, and county-level details for all 50 states.
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