Many times when someone buys a new backyard storage shed from me at Alan’s Factory Outlet, they ask do I need a building permit for a storage shed, prefab garage or metal carport. Sometimes people who consider the possibility of getting a shed do not even think about getting a building permit for a shed. An Amish shed has such a neat appearance and is something that you can use weekly or even daily! Since so many of my customers seem to ask the question Do I need a building permit, I figured it would be a great idea to talk about this topic. You personally may begin to wonder about building permits and whether you would need one for a storage shed. Hopefully, what I found out about building permits will be of use to you if you take the plunge and get a shed put on your property.
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed?
It would be wonderful if I could offer a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to you folks on this question. But, guess what? I can’t. The answer depends on the state or city you live in. You see, states and cities have different building laws and codes. The answer to whether you need a building permit also depends on the size of the structure. For example, in Virginia, a shed that measures less than 200 square feet doesn’t require an owner to obtain a building permit. But, the person would need a zoning permit for the shed. If you’re thinking about purchasing a shed, barn or other similar structure, your best course of action is to visit your city or county’s government website. There you’ll learn about the specific laws and building codes in your area. Of course, you can always give your local government offices a phone call and speak with someone regarding your plans to get a shed.
Why Is It So Important to Research Building Codes Before Getting a Shed?
Do I need a permit to build a shed? Finding out the answer to this question before beginning the building project can save you a lot of headaches. Even though I’m excited about the prospect of you buying a shed from me to go on your property, you need to get the facts on a building permit first. If someone were to build a shed, pole barn, barndominium or other structure on his or her property without a building permit, the person could get slapped with a fine for not going through the proper channels. Also, if the shed is too close to a property line, the person may have to take down the shed and start all over again. Or in the case of Alan’s Factory Outlet portable storage sheds you would have to pay for us to move it not to mention the cost to get the gravel moved to the new shed location. This cost gets really expensive if you buy a shed or garage and have a concrete slab because you would need to extend the concrete slab to cover the area where the shed or prefab garage would have to be moved to. Taking a little time to research building and zoning codes is certainly worth your time.
What Sort of Information Goes onto a Building Permit Application?
If you do need a permit for a storage building, you’ll have to put all of your contact information on the application. A site plan also plays a part in the application process. You’ll need to know the square footage of the shed or other structure. The estimated valuation is also put onto the application and there’s usually a fee that goes along with this part of the process. The application will be considered for approval by the city or county.
Thanks for reading! – Alan
