Building a shed - do I need a permit?

[ZmOz]

I'm going to build a really small shed...just big enough for a lawnmower and a few tools. Probably about 8' x 4', and I want one side up against my house. Do I need to get a permit for something this small?

 

[dhud64]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

You do here!<br />Better check with your local authorities.

 

[Link]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

Just call the city counsel building. <br />Here we can build a 10X12 and up to 20ft high and two storys with no permit.<br /> <br />But to replace existing windows you need a permit!<br />Go figure... Never heard of permits to remove and replace windows.. But I got the fine to prove it!<br /><br />Oh and the pemit <br /><br />Grrrrrrrrrr

 

[Terry H]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

Here a permenant foundation = permit...but it's a local code thing...just a thought

 

[Barlow]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

ZmOz- better do as dhud64 and Link advise. <br /><br />First thing first!<br /><br />codes, easements, any silly local restrictions or guidelines. There are some dandys out there today and living out there with all the granola's you never know what's going on I bet as I run to keep up with whats going on here on a daily basis. <br /><br />-Nothing personaly harsh meant by that ZmOz- <br /><br />good luck with the project

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

yes, just give the city a call and find out the laws. when i built my deck, as long as it was not attached to my home and cost less than $500, i didn't need a permit.<br /><br />so my deck rests against my home and cost me $499 to build...

 

[ehenry]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

I guess it really depends on where you're living. I'm inside the city limits but its almost like the country. I built a 24'x32' building in my backyard w/o a permit, then the next year I added another 16'x32' slab down the side of it and covered that w/o a permit. Nobody has said anything yet and that was 4 years ago.<br /><br />There is a subdivision across the road from me and those folks can't plant or cut a tree with out checking their covenants. They can't even mow their lawn until a certain time of the day.<br /><br />So, I guess it all boils down to where you are as to wheather or not you need a permit.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

I believe you can build a shed no larger than 8x10 without a permit (at least in my county)<br />If you pour any cement, you'd better have a permit.<br /><br />Good luck getting any information from the MORONS at the planning commission. They won't lift one finger to help you.<br /><br />Their answer to everything: "Hire a contractor"<br /><br />Hence: We the "do-it-yourselfer" is too stupid to comprehend what's required.<br /><br />If I made as much money as the planning commission people... I might be able to afford a contractor!<br />Besides... If I'm willing and able.. I'll do the work myself thanks...<br /><br /><br />Edit<br />Edit Edit...<br /><br /> <br /><br />Don't get me started!<br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br /><br />H.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

Well, I emailed the city. I can build a 200 square foot shed without a permit, as long as it's not attached to my house. So if I build this thing in the middle of my yard, no permit required. Move it next to my house, I have to pay $150 for a permit. I could have a pile of wood next to my house the size of this shed, but nail it together, and I have to spend $150 on a permit. Hell, I could buy one of those Rubbermaid sheds, and put it next to my house. Try to build it out of wood, and I might as well just leave my wallet at city hall. <br /><br />Well, at least we live in a free country....

 

[Barlow]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

I'd check your back pocket for your wallet. There are a lot of sticky fingers in those city buildings!

 

[mikecjn]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

Where I am at in Maine not only do you have to worry about a permit but depending on the size of it they will tax you on it also.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

In the county I live in you can build a huge 'pole barn' without a permit. Go across the street, (city limits) and you have to have a permit to build anysize shed.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

I was told you don't need a permit for an "Agricultural" building?<br /><br />Boomyal's post made me remember this.<br /><br />I was told by a local real estate/developer that an 'Ag' building doesn't require the permits?<br /><br />So am I to understand that I can build a 50 x 50ft (or whatever) structure, toss a bail of hay in it and call it an 'Ag' building?<br /><br />What is the definition of an 'ag' building?<br /><br /><br />H.

 

[ratracer]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

Originally posted by mikecjn:<br /> Where I am at in Maine not only do you have to worry about a permit but depending on the size of it they will tax you on it also.

Same here. You also can't have it less than 20' from the edge of your property. :frown:

 

[Link]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

ZmOz <br />Check your city codes out a little closer.. yes I know this is getting a little silly <br />But then this is city goverment.. nuff said! <br />The guy next door wanted to put up a pre-fab ARROW car port... stand alone type thing.. he was told that he could attach it to his house but the roof from his house could not be connected between the two.. and that the roof from the carport could NOT drain on to his existing house! <br />So we cut his carport legs down 6 inches and put a rubber boot from his house and carport.. met city regs.. nuff said. ACK

 

[Barlow]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

Homerr, my gut feeling here tells me that real estate/developer fella is off his rocker.<br /><br />I could be wrong ... I'm guessing there's a .005% chance of that though. <br /><br />Agricultural buildings are basically commercial buildings with certain specifications related to useage.<br />Before you even apply for a permit you need to obtain local land use and zoning approval from the planning and zoning office.<br /><br />At the very least - a structural permit will be required. <br /> <br />Permits are required for any new construction and additions or alterations to existing structures/buildings (legally speaking - you can't even install a bath fan without a permit).<br /><br />This includes: structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, and elevator work also.<br /><br />I'd tell that fella to part his hair different tomarrow so hes more difficult to recognise. If he's giving that kind of advice I can just imagine what kind of work hes done, done then hid, -or better yet- HASN'T done. <br /><br />This may sound goofy and a bit out of touch ... but, the relationship between building codes and permits are there for the safety of you/me and the owners of the property/buildings in the future. <br /><br />Relate it to speed limit and stop signs on roadways with police officers. Without those two variables working together the roads would be caos and more dangerous than they already are.<br /><br />Just imagine if residential roof systems where still being built with 2x4 SPF rafters at a horizontal span of 16' or better with a 1x6 'ridge plate' overlapped and sistered spanning 30-40' end to end... some guys make a good living at remodeling.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

in florida , if the building is less than 100 SQ feet, you DO NOT need a permit. so you could build up to a 12 x 8, which is 96, and also a good size for a shed

 

[Homerr]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

I agree to some of the permits... Yes, they do provide some protection and often catch serious flaws etc.... But you have to agree that most counties have gone WAY overboard with it.<br /><br />Heck, you even need a permit to run SPEAKER wire in your home here in Oregon!<br />I read that somewhere... It's still on the books as far as I know.<br /><br /><br />I just wish the DIY'er wouldn't be discriminated against when you go down there to ask about permits and such. <br />Like I said.. the feeling I got was... If you aren't a contractor - then we don't want to talk with you... Al of course in their 'God-like' attitude.<br /><br />I have absolutely nothing against contractors (I have a few friends that used to be).. I just like doing the work myself.<br />I get plenty of great information from my contractor friends... and even they told me of the hassles they have with the city.<br /><br />If the planning commission would put together an "idiots guide to dealing with the planning commission".. I bet you would have far less people building stuff without a permit.<br />Make a guide that doesn't require a lawyer to decipher.<br /><br />Thanks for the info on the Ag building, Barlow. I was skeptical too.<br /><br /><br />LOL!<br /><br />H.

 

[dhammann]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

This is the USA and this is your property I would do it discreetly and to hell with city hall!! The liberals are slowly but surely driving us towards socialism. I agree with construction permits for large projects and for contractors but leave the DIY out of it.<br />I may be a good ‘ol southern boy, but I admire those Yankees at the Boston tea party!

 

[Mr.Ladyfish]

Re: Building a shed - do I need a permit?

I am the Building Official for the town we live in. It's a small town so it's just a part time deal that I do mainly to contribute to the community. I agree that permits are needed for larger projects but here they have gone overboard. Yesterday I got a call (at my real job)from the city secretary. Some poor guy was replacing his front door and the cops (my enforcers) shut him down. He had to go to city hall, leaving his house wide open with no door, fill out a permit application and pay his $15. I intend to see if I can get the council to back off a little on what requires a permit. <br /><br />I hate government sticking their nose in everything. Last year when I was appointed the people at city hall had a good laugh because 13 years ago when we first moved here I had a part time construction/remodeling company and was constantly getting caught for doing things without a permit.