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If you’re a resident of Pennsylvania and plan to add a shed to your property, you first need to know what permits and other legalities apply. In reality, it’s not very difficult to receive a shed permit in PA. We’ve created a table of helpful links to specific local permit requirements/information for individual counties and cities within PA.
If you’re still undecided about the type of shed you need, you can visit our website, where you’ll also find 3D tools to help you build your ideal shed.
Okay, time to get all your shed permit questions answered!
Under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, a permit is not needed for sheds less than 1,000 square feet. However, local jurisdictions are allowed to amend their building codes, after being approved. As a result, in many PA cities and counties you will need a shed permit if your shed is around 100-200 square feet. Also, keep in mind that if the shed is intended to be a permanent structure or will have electrical or plumbing installations, a permit might be necessary.
But even if your shed is lower than the specified dimensions, a zoning permit is required in most jurisdictions.
For instance, in North Huntingdon, PA, shed permits follow the following breakdown:
Of course, you will want to confirm with your local government before you begin construction on a shed. To gain relevant information, find your city or county from our table of links.
Yes. If your shed is larger than 200 square feet, you will need to get a building permit in the city of Philadelphia, PA.
In addition, you will have to obtain a zoning permit if the shed is larger than 130 square feet.
Yes, for sheds larger than 120 square feet, a shed permit is needed in Pittsburgh, PA.
Yes, if your shed is larger than 1,000 square feet in Montgomery, PA, a shed permit is required.
Gaining a shed permit in PA is easy! Basically, it comes down to doing the following things:
For more information about shed permits in various PA counties and largest cities, you can find helpful resources using the links in our table.
The penalty for not obtaining a shed permit in Pennsylvania can vary depending on local regulations and the specific circumstances. In most cases, constructing a shed without the required permit is considered a violation of building codes and zoning regulations. As a result, you may face one or more of the following penalties:
Check with your local government for even more information (our table of links may help with this process).
Shed permits in PA cost around $50 – $200 depending on the size, cost, or area you are located. To find out the exact cost of a shed permit in your area, you should contact your local government responsible for issuing building permits (see our table of links for more information).
Additionally, keep in mind that zoning permits are required in most municipalities, which cost on average $50.
For example, you can refer to the list of permit fees, specific to Bethlehem, PA, to get a better understanding of the associated costs.
On average, it takes around 15-30 days to get a shed permit in PA. To get a more accurate estimate of the processing time, it’s best to reach out to the local Department of Permits and Inspections in your area.
For example, in Hampton Township, PA, it takes about 15 days to obtain a shed permit. It’s always advisable to apply for the permit well in advance of your planned construction date to allow for any potential delays in the approval process.
The rules and regulations regarding the size of sheds that can be constructed without planning permission in Pennsylvania can vary depending on the specific municipality or county where your property is located. In many areas of Pennsylvania, you may be able to build a shed without planning permission if it meets certain size and height restrictions. For more detailed information, you can view our table of links to find your specific local government page.
For example, in Pittsburgh, PA, one-story detached accessory structures, such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, are allowed as long as the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. These structures must also be accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling.
In some areas, shed permits may be valid for a specific time frame, such as 6 months or 1 year, from the date of issuance. This means you have that much time to start the construction of the shed after obtaining the permit. If you do not begin construction within the validity period, the permit may expire, and you may need to reapply and pay the permit fees again.
Well, there you have it! Most sheds larger than 120 square feet in PA will need a building permit. But as always, this can vary across the cities and counties in PA. If you have any questions regarding garage permit regulations in PA or shed permits in CT, you can take a look at our articles.
And with your permits behind you, you can start dreaming about your shed by getting a free estimate on one of our sheds or design your own in 3D.
Happy shed building!
Create the building of your dreams by customizing a design in 3D. You can also call us at 717-442-3281. We're here to assist you!