Shed Permits in PA: Complete Guide

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!

Do you need shed permits in PA?

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:

• Sheds under 200 square feet require a $25 Zoning Permit Application.
• Sheds measuring 200 square feet or larger necessitate a Residential Building Permit Application.
• Sheds with a size of 100 square feet or smaller can be positioned 5 feet from the side and rear property lines.

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. 

Do I need a shed permit in the city of Philadelphia, PA? 

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. 

Do I need a shed permit in Pittsburgh, PA?

Yes, for sheds larger than 120 square feet, a shed permit is needed in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Do I need a shed permit in Montgomery, PA?

Yes, if your shed is larger than 1,000 square feet in Montgomery, PA, a shed permit is required. 

Where do I get a shed permit in PA?

Gaining a shed permit in PA is easy! Basically, it comes down to doing the following things:

1. Check out your local government’s web page.
2. See what their requirements are for shed permits and zoning. 
3. If unclear, use the contact information provided. 
4. Find the permit application on the website. 
5. Many areas in PA require you to drop off a physical permit/zoning application to their government office. However, some jurisdictions do allow emailed copies. 

For more information about shed permits in various PA counties and largest cities, you can find helpful resources using the links in our table. 

What is the penalty if you don’t get a shed permit in PA?

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:

• Stop-Work Order: Local authorities may issue a stop-work order, halting all construction activities until the proper permits are obtained. This can lead to delays and additional expenses.
• Fines: Failure to obtain the necessary permits may result in fines imposed by the local government. The amount of the fine can vary based on the severity of the violation and the local regulations.
• Legal Action: In some cases, continued non-compliance or repeated violations could lead to legal action, which might involve further fines and even orders to remove the shed entirely.
• Difficulty in Selling Property: If you plan to sell your property in the future, the absence of proper permits for structures like a shed may raise red flags for potential buyers and affect the property’s value.
• Insurance Issues: Insurance companies may deny claims related to the shed if it was built without the required permits, leaving you responsible for any damages or liabilities.

Check with your local government for even more information (our table of links may help with this process).

How much does a shed permit cost in PA?

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.

How long does it take to get a shed permit in PA?

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.

What’s the Biggest Shed I can have without Planning Permission in PA?

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.

How Long is a Shed Permit Valid in PA?

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.

Shed permit requirements in the largest cities in PA

Philadelphia	Linceses & Inspections
Pittsburgh	Permits, Licenses, & Inspections
Allentown	Building Standards & Safety
Reading	Zoning & Planning
Erie	Licenses, Permits, & Inspections
Upper Darby	Permits
Scranton	Building Permits
Bethlehem	Permits
Lower Merion Township	Building & Planning Department
Bensalem Township	Building & Planning
Lancaster City	Building Permits
Lower Paxton	Permits & Applications
Harrisburg	Bureau of Codes
York City	Bureau of Permits and Inspections
Penn Hills	Municipal Code Enforcement Department
Norristown	Permit & Application
Radnor	Permits
Chester City	Licensing & Inspection
Upper Merion	Building Permits
Moon	Permit Forms
West Reading	Permits & Fees
Abington	Code Enforcement Division
Altoona	Codes & Inspection Department
Bristol	Building & Planning Department
Butler	Residential Building Division
Hempfield	Building Permits
Ridley	Code Enforcement
State College	Shed Permitting
Tredyffrin	Permits & Inspections
Warminster	Licensing & Inspections Contact Information
Washington	Licenses, Permits & Fees

Shed Permit Requirements in Pennsylvania Counties

Adams County	Zoning
Allegheny County	Building Permits
Beaver County	Residential Permits
Bedford County	Planning
Berks County	Planning Commission
Bucks County	Planning Commission
Butler County	Planning Commission
Chester County	Planning Commission
Clearfield County	Building/Zoning Permit
Clifton County	Planning, Grants, Zoning
Columbia County	Planning & Development
Crawford County	Planning
Cumberland County	Land & Building Use Applications
Dauphin County	Planning
Franklin County	Planning
Lackawanna County	Building Code Office
Lancaster County	Planning
Lebanon County	Planning Department
Luzerne County	Planning & Zoning
Lycoming County	Zoning Administration
Montgomery County	Codes & Permits
Northampton County	Building & Codes
Schuylkill County	Planning & Zoning
Susquehanna County	Building & Zoning Permit
Venango County	Municipal Services
Washington County	License, Permits, & Fees
Warren County	Planning & Zoning
Westmoreland County	Licenses & Permits
York County	Building Permit Reports

Wrapping It Up

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!