Permit Required? Sometimes Required
Typical Fee Range $50–$200 Sheds under 200 sq ft are exempt from building permits.
Fee Method Size-based
Apply Online Apply at Planning and Development Services Department →

What's Required in Tucson

  • Building permit required if the shed exceeds 200 square feet.
  • Zoning review required for all sheds to ensure setback compliance.
  • Maximum height is generally 10-12 feet for accessory structures.
  • Cannot be located in the front yard setback.
  • Electrical wiring requires a separate trade permit.
  • Plumbing is prohibited in standard utility sheds.

What Size Shed Needs a Permit in Tucson

Whether you need a building permit for a shed in Tucson usually comes down to size. In Tucson, the cutoff is 200 square feet: a simple one-story shed at or under that size generally doesn’t need a building permit, while anything that exceeds it does. A popular 10x12 shed (120 sq ft) comes in under the limit, so it typically doesn’t need a building permit. Larger sheds, and any shed with electrical, plumbing, or a permanent foundation, almost always need a permit regardless of footprint.

Building a Shed Without a Permit in Tucson

Even when a shed is small enough to skip a building permit in Tucson, “no permit” doesn’t mean “no rules.” A permit-exempt shed generally must stay at or under the 200-square-foot limit, sit on a non-permanent base (sheds on skids or a gravel pad are treated more leniently than those on a poured foundation), and have no electrical or plumbing run to it. Crucially, zoning setbacks still apply — your shed usually has to sit a minimum distance from property lines and other structures, and that holds even for a permit-free shed. Confirm both the size exemption and the setback distance with the Planning and Development Services Department before you build.

How to Get a Shed Permit in Tucson

1

Step 1: Confirm Size

Verify if the structure is over 200 sq ft.

2

Step 2: Zoning Check

Ensure the shed is at least 3-5 feet from property lines.

3

Step 3: Submit Portal

Apply for an 'Accessory Structure' permit online.

4

Step 4: Pay Fees

Pay the zoning or building fee depending on size.

5

Step 5: Inspection

Final inspection required for permitted sheds.

Frequently Asked Questions

No building permit is needed as it's under 200 sq ft, but zoning rules apply.
No, accessory structures must be in the rear or side yard.
If you add outlets or lights, you must get an electrical permit.
In Tucson, you can build a shed up to 200 square feet without a building permit; anything over that needs one. The exemption usually also requires no permanent foundation and no electrical or plumbing, and zoning setbacks from property lines still apply even without a permit.
Often not, if it’s also within Tucson’s 200 sq ft limit and has no utilities — many jurisdictions treat a shed on skids or a gravel pad as movable rather than a permanent building. A poured foundation or any electrical/plumbing typically triggers a permit. Confirm with the Planning and Development Services Department; zoning setbacks apply either way.