Permit Required? Sometimes Required
Typical Fee Range $150–$350 Exempt if under 150 sq ft and detached; structures over 150 sq ft require a permit.
Fee Method Valuation-based
Apply Online Apply at Chicago Department of Buildings →

What's Required in Chicago

  • No permit required for detached accessory sheds up to 150 square feet.
  • Must be located in the rear yard and maintain 2-foot setbacks from property lines.
  • Cannot exceed 15 feet in height from grade to the highest point.
  • Any shed with electrical wiring or plumbing requires a permit regardless of size.
  • If used for storage of flammable liquids, additional fire safety reviews apply.
  • Cannot be placed on a front yard or extend into public right-of-way.

What Size Shed Needs a Permit in Chicago

Whether you need a building permit for a shed in Chicago usually comes down to size. In Chicago, the cutoff is clear: detached sheds of 150 square feet or less don’t need a building permit, while anything larger 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 Chicago

Even when a shed is small enough to skip a building permit in Chicago, “no permit” doesn’t mean “no rules.” A permit-exempt shed generally must stay at or under the 150-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 Chicago Department of Buildings before you build.

How to Get a Shed Permit in Chicago

1

Step 1: Easy Permit Program Check

Determine if your project qualifies for the 'Easy Permit' pathway (standard for sheds >150 sq ft).

2

Step 2: Site Plan Preparation

Draft a simple site map showing distances to house and property lines.

3

Step 3: Portal Submission

Log into the Chicago E-Plan (ProjectDox) or Easy Permit portal.

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Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay the permit fee (approx. $150 minimum for small accessory structures).

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Step 5: Final Inspection

Schedule a final inspection once the structure is anchored and complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a 120 sq ft shed is below the 150 sq ft threshold for a building permit.
Chicago zoning typically requires sheds to be in the rear yard; side yard placement requires a variance.
Unpermitted sheds over 150 sq ft can result in daily fines and a 'Stop Work' order.
Often not, if it’s also within Chicago’s 150 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 Chicago Department of Buildings; zoning setbacks apply either way.