Permit Required? Sometimes Required
Typical Fee Range $0–$150 Exempt from Building Permit if < 200 sq ft; Zoning Permit ($25) required for units 120–200 sq ft.
Fee Method Valuation-based
Apply Online Apply at Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections →

What's Required in Philadelphia

  • Building Permit NOT required for detached accessory structures 200 sq ft or less
  • Zoning Permit required for sheds between 120 and 200 sq ft
  • Sheds under 120 sq ft are exempt from both if located in a rear yard
  • Sheds under 120 sq ft in a front or side yard REQUIRE a Zoning Permit
  • Must not exceed 20 feet in height
  • Any shed with electrical or plumbing ALWAYS requires trade permits

What Size Shed Needs a Permit in Philadelphia

Whether you need a building permit for a shed in Philadelphia usually comes down to size. In Philadelphia, the cutoff is clear: detached sheds of 200 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 Philadelphia

Even when a shed is small enough to skip a building permit in Philadelphia, “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 Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections before you build.

How to Get a Shed Permit in Philadelphia

1

Step 1: Size and Yard Check

Determine shed square footage and intended yard location.

2

Step 2: Zoning Application

If between 120–200 sq ft, apply for a Zoning Permit ($25) via eCLIPSE.

3

Step 3: Building Application

If over 200 sq ft, apply for a Building Permit ($75 base).

4

Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay the permit fee online; additions/accessory structures cost $75 for first 500 sq ft.

5

Step 5: Inspection

If permitted, schedule a final inspection to verify the footprint and setbacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Only if it is larger than 200 sq ft for a building permit, or between 120–200 sq ft for a zoning permit.
Zoning permits are $25, and building permits for sheds > 200 sq ft start at $75.
Standard setbacks apply; sheds under 100 sq ft can often be 5 feet from side/rear lines.
In Philadelphia, sheds of 200 square feet or less can be built without a building permit; anything larger 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 Philadelphia’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 Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections; zoning setbacks apply either way.