Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $50–$200 Zoning permit for small sheds; building permit for larger ones.
Fee Method Size-based
Apply Online Apply at Planning & Community Development - Building Permits and Inspections →

What's Required in Virginia Beach

  • Zoning permit required for all sheds regardless of size.
  • Building permit required for sheds over 256 square feet.
  • Must be located in the rear or side yard behind the building line.
  • Maximum height usually limited to 15 feet.
  • Electrical wiring requires a separate trade permit.
  • Must be anchored to resist wind loads per local code.

What Size Shed Needs a Permit in Virginia Beach

Whether you need a building permit for a shed in Virginia Beach usually comes down to size. In Virginia Beach, the cutoff is 256 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 Virginia Beach

Even when a shed is small enough to skip a building permit in Virginia Beach, “no permit” doesn’t mean “no rules.” A permit-exempt shed generally must stay at or under the 256-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 & Community Development - Building Permits and Inspections before you build.

How to Get a Shed Permit in Virginia Beach

1

Step 1: Check Size

Determine if you need just zoning (<256sf) or building (>256sf).

2

Step 2: Plot Plan

Mark the shed's location and setbacks on a site map.

3

Step 3: Submit Portal

Apply for the appropriate permit via Accela.

4

Step 4: Pay Fees

Submit fees based on size and structure type.

5

Step 5: Final Inspection

Required for all building-permitted sheds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a zoning permit is required for all sheds in Virginia Beach.
No, accessory structures must meet specific setbacks (usually 5ft).
Sheds must be anchored to withstand 115 mph winds.
In Virginia Beach, you can build a shed up to 256 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 Virginia Beach’s 256 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 & Community Development - Building Permits and Inspections; zoning setbacks apply either way.