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Shed Permits in CT: City and County Rules to Know
If you’re thinking about adding a storage shed or garden building to your property, it’s important to make sure it’s allowed in your area before beginning your project. In this guide, we’ll explain who to contact for information about the shed permit process and how local zoning rules might affect your placement. And if you’re considering options, you can explore our Shed Models, or try out our 3D Builder to start designing the shed that fits your space and your style.
Do I need a permit for a shed in CT?
Maybe. Shed permits in Connecticut are issued by individual cities and towns, not the state or counties. Some municipalities require permits for all sheds, while others exempt small accessory structures. We suggest contacting your local planning or zoning office to confirm specific requirements.
What’s the biggest size shed I can build without a permit in Connecticut?
There is no statewide shed size exemption in Connecticut. Some towns allow small sheds without a building permit, but the maximum size varies by municipality and zoning rules. Always check with your local building department to confirm what applies to your property.
What are common mistakes when building sheds?
Common mistakes include skipping permit checks, ignoring setback requirements, exceeding lot coverage limits, and adding electricity without approval. Many issues arise from assuming shed rules are the same across Connecticut.
What Customizations Can I Add To My Shed In CT?
You can customize your shed with options like upgraded doors and windows, durable siding and roofing, and interior features such as shelving or loft space. These upgrades help protect stored items from Connecticut weather and make better use of limited yard space. Some sheds can also include electrical wiring, insulation, or finished interiors, but these features often require local permits. Because shed rules vary by town, it’s important to confirm which upgrades are allowed before finalizing your design.
Shed Permit Requirements For Cities in Connecticut
Below is an overview of shed permit requirements by city or town. Each city name in the contact list below jumps directly to an overview of the rules that apply to your specific location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always confirm requirements with local officials before beginning construction.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Bridgeport, CT?
Yes. A zoning permit and/or building permit is generally required for sheds in Bridgeport.
Requirements:
- Permit(s): New accessory structures such as sheds typically require a building permit and may also require zoning approval before construction begins per the City’s permit guidelines. Building permits are required from the city’s Building Department.
- Site plan: A plot plan showing the proposed shed location and distances to property lines is usually required with the application.
- Compliance: The structure must comply with local zoning setbacks and the Connecticut State Building Code.
Contact the Bridgeport Building Department for specific criteria and submittal requirements.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Bristol, CT?
Yes. Residential sheds in Bristol usually require a building permit.
Requirements:
- Building Permit: A permit must be obtained from the City of Bristol Building Department before installation of a new shed.
- Zoning Permit: Depending on size and placement, a zoning permit may also be required from the Bristol Zoning Office.
- Plans & setbacks: A site plan that shows the proposed structure’s size and setback distances from property lines is typically required with your permit application.
Contact the Bristol Building Department for information on required plans, size thresholds, fees, and review timelines.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Danbury, CT?
Yes. A building and/or zoning permit is required to install a shed in Danbury.
Requirements:
- Building Permit: New detached structures such as sheds generally require a building permit from the Danbury Building Department.
- Zoning Review: A zoning permit from the Danbury Planning & Zoning Office may also be required depending on shed size and placement relative to setbacks.
- Site plan: A scaled site plan with property lines, structure footprint, and setbacks is typically submitted with permitting.
Contact the Danbury Permit Center / Building Department for specifics on submittals, fees, and inspection requirements.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In East Hartford, CT?
Yes. A permit is required in East Hartford for most new shed structures.
Requirements:
- Building Permit: Any new detached accessory structure such as a shed typically requires a building permit from the East Hartford Inspections & Permits Department.
- Zoning Permit: In East Hartford, zoning compliance review is required for accessory structures. The zoning office may issue a Zoning Permit for small structures depending on size and location.
- Site plan: A plot/site plan showing location and setbacks is usually part of the application.
Contact the East Hartford Inspections & Permits Department for detailed requirements and applicable inspections.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Ellington, CT?
Yes. All sheds in Ellington require a zoning permit, and most will also require a building permit.
Requirements:
- Zoning Permit: According to Ellington zoning regulations, all sheds require a Zoning Permit before placement or construction.
- Building Permit: In most cases, a building permit is also required after zoning approval; see the Ellington Building Department for specifics.
- Site plan & compliance: A site plan showing property lines, setbacks, septic/well locations (if applicable), and other structures is needed with the zoning application.
Contact the Ellington Building Department to confirm submission materials, fees, and any additional board reviews.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Essex, CT?
Maybe. Essex does not clearly state whether a building permit is required for all sheds.
Requirements:
- Sheds may be regulated as accessory structures depending on size and placement.
- Zoning approval may be required even if a building permit is not.
- A site plan showing setbacks may be requested.
Contact the Town of Essex Building Department for current requirements.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Greenwich, CT?
Maybe. Greenwich does not clearly state that all sheds require a building permit.
Requirements:
- Accessory structures may be subject to zoning review.
- Building permits may be required depending on shed size and construction.
- Plot plans are commonly required.
Contact the Greenwich Building Inspection Office to confirm current shed permit rules, application materials, and inspection procedures before moving forward.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Haddam, CT?
Maybe. Haddam does not clearly state whether all sheds require a permit.
Requirements:
- Sheds may be reviewed under building and zoning regulations.
- Placement and setbacks are regulated locally.
- Site plans may be required.
Contact the Town of Haddam Land Use & Building Department to confirm shed permit requirements and application procedures before starting construction.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Hamden, CT?
Maybe. Hamden does not clearly publish shed-specific permit exemptions.
Requirements:
- Sheds may require building permits depending on size.
- Zoning review may apply for placement and lot coverage.
- A site plan may be required.
Contact the Town of Hamden Building Department or Planning & Zoning Office to confirm if a shed permit is needed for your specific project.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Hartford, CT?
Yes. The City of Hartford requires building permits for new construction and structural projects regulated under the Connecticut State Building Code.
Requirements:
- Sheds may require a building permit as accessory structures.
- Zoning compliance is required.
- Plans or sketches may be requested.
Contact the City of Hartford Building Department to confirm shed permit rules, required plans, and inspection procedures before proceeding.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Killingly, CT?
Yes. Killingly explicitly regulates sheds as accessory structures.
Requirements:
- A zoning permit is required for sheds.
- A building permit may be required depending on size.
- A site plan showing setbacks is required.
Contact the Town of Killingly Building Safety & Inspections Department to confirm current shed permit requirements, application materials, and inspection procedures before moving forward.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Manchester, CT?
Maybe. Manchester does not clearly state whether a building permit is required for all sheds.
Requirements:
- Shed placement is regulated by zoning, including setbacks and lot coverage.
- A building permit may be required depending on shed size and construction.
- Zoning Enforcement reviews accessory structures, including sheds.
Contact the Town of Manchester Building Inspection Division to confirm shed permit requirements, required documents, and inspection steps before proceeding.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Meriden, CT?
Yes. Meriden explicitly regulates sheds and publishes size-based permit requirements.
Requirements:
- A building permit is required for sheds over 199 square feet.
- A zoning permit is required for sheds between 100 and 199 square feet.
- Sheds must meet zoning rules for placement and setbacks.
Contact the City of Meriden Building Department to verify current shed permit requirements and application materials before moving forward with your project.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Middletown, CT?
Maybe. Middletown allows some sheds without a building permit, but zoning approval may still apply.
Requirements:
- No building permit is required for sheds 200 square feet or smaller.
- Zoning or land use approval may still be required depending on shed size.
- Shed placement must comply with property line and zoning rules.
Contact the City of Middletown Building Division or Planning & Zoning (Land Use) Office to confirm shed permit rules and what approvals apply to your property.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Milford, CT?
Yes. Milford requires permits for accessory structures, including sheds.
Requirements:
- A permit is required for any accessory structure.
- Zoning review is required to confirm location and setbacks.
- Additional review may apply in regulated areas such as wetlands.
Contact the Building Inspection Office to confirm current shed permit requirements, application materials, and inspection procedures before moving forward.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In New Britain, CT?
Maybe. While all sheds require a zoning permit, some smaller sheds may not require a building permit.
Requirements:
- A building permit may be required depending on shed size and construction.
- Zoning compliance applies to accessory structures.
- Site plans may be required during review.
Contact the City of New Britain Building Department to confirm current shed permit requirements, application materials, and inspection procedures before moving forward with your project.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In New Haven, CT?
Maybe. While all sheds require a zoning permit, some smaller sheds may not require a building permit.
Requirements:
- Some projects may qualify as work exempt from permits.
- Zoning approval may still be required for shed placement.
- Documentation may be required to confirm exemption status.
Contact the City of New Haven Building Inspection & Enforcement office to confirm current shed permit rules, application materials, and inspection procedures before moving forward with your project.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In New London, CT?
Yes, you usually need a permit for a shed in New London, CT.
Requirements:
- Building Permits: If your shed is under 200 square feet (like an 8×12 or a 10×16), the Connecticut State Building Code says you generally don’t need a building permit.
- Zoning Permits: Even for small sheds, New London requires a Certificate of Zoning Compliance.
- Site plans may be required for review.
Contact the City of New London Building Department or Planning & Zoning Office to verify what permits are required for your specific shed project and what materials must be submitted.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Norwalk, CT?
Yes. Norwalk generally requires a shed permit.
Requirements:
- Building Permit: Required for sheds over 200 sq. ft.
- Zoning Permit: Required for all sheds, regardless of size.
- You’ll need to submit a plot plan to show your shed meets setback requirements.
Contact the City of Norwalk Building & Code Enforcement office to confirm current shed permit requirements, application steps, and inspection procedures before moving forward.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Stamford, CT?
Yes. Stamford instructs residents to apply for permits for structures, including sheds.
Requirements:
- Building Permit: Required for sheds over 200 sq. ft.
- Zoning Permit: Required for all sheds.
- Site plans are required to confirm compliance.
- If your shed is under 200 sq. ft., you apply for a “Standalone Zoning Permit.”
Contact the City of Stamford Building Department to confirm current shed permit requirements, application materials, and inspection procedures before moving forward.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Stratford, CT?
Yes. You’ll likely need a permit for a shed in Stratford, CT.
Requirements:
- Building Permit: Required for sheds over 200 sq. ft.
- Zoning Permit: Required for any shed over 6 feet in height, regardless of its floor area.
- Site plans may be requested.
Contact the Office of the Building Official to confirm current shed permit requirements, application materials, and inspection procedures before moving forward.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Tolland, CT?
Yes. You will likely need a permit for a shed in Tolland, CT.
Requirements:
- Building Permit: Required for sheds over 120 sq. ft.
- Zoning Permit: Required for all sheds.
- While the state limit is 200 sq. ft., Tolland is stricter and requires a building permit for any shed over 120 sq. ft.
- Site plans may be required.
Contact the Town of Tolland Building Department to verify if a shed permit is required for your project and what materials must be submitted.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Waterbury, CT?
Yes. Waterbury regulates sheds as accessory structures and requires a permit.
Requirements:
- Building Permit: Required for all sheds.
- The Order: Get your Zoning approval first, then the Building Permit will be issued.
- Plans and site information must be submitted.
Contact the City of Waterbury Department of Inspections to confirm current shed permit rules, application materials, and inspection procedures before starting your project.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Waterford, CT?
Yes. The Town of Waterford requires building permits for shed construction.
Requirements:
- Building Permit: Required for all sheds.
- Zoning Approval: Required before issuance.
- You’ll need to submit plans and drawings of the shed.
Contact the Town of Waterford Building Department to confirm current shed permit requirements, application materials, and inspection procedures before moving forward with your project.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In West Hartford, CT?
Maybe. West Hartford’s shed permit requirements depend on size.
Requirements:
- A building permit is required for sheds over 200 square feet.
- Smaller sheds may require zoning approval.
- A plot plan is required showing shed location.
Contact the Town of Waterford Building Department to to verify current shed permit rules, application materials, and inspection procedures before starting your project.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In West Haven, CT?
Yes. You may need a permit to build a shed in West Haven, CT
Requirements:
- Building permits may be required depending on shed size.
- Zoning review applies.
- Site plans may be requested.
Contact the Town of West Hartford Building Division to confirm current shed permit requirements, application materials, and inspection procedures before moving forward with your project.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Willington, CT?
Yes. You may need a permit to build a shed in Willington, CT.
Requirements:
- Building permits may be required depending on shed size.
- Zoning approval applies.
- Site plans may be required.
Contact the Town of Willington Building Department to confirm current shed permit requirements, application materials, and inspection procedures before beginning your project.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Windham, CT?
Yes. While you only need a Building Permit if your shed is over 200 sq. ft., Windham requires a Zoning Permit for any shed larger than 120 sq. ft.
Requirements:
- Building permits are required for construction projects.
- Shed permit requirements depend on project scope.
- Permit forms are issued by Building Services.
Contact the Windham Building Services Department for current guidance before starting your project.
Shed Permit Requirements For Counties in Connecticut
In Connecticut, shed permits are issued by individual cities and towns rather than counties, so requirements vary by location. The county list/contact table below is provided for navigation, with each county name linking directly to an overview of how local shed permitting works in that area.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Fairfield County, CT?
Yes, you usually need a permit for a shed in Fairfield County.
- Zoning Permit: Required in almost every town (like Norwalk or Stamford) to check your property line setbacks.
- Building Permit: Generally required only if your shed is over 200 sq. ft.
- Local Contact: Find your city’s contact info in the table above.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Hartford County, CT?
Yes, you will generally need a permit for a shed in Hartford County.
- Zoning Permit: Required for all sizes. Most towns require a plot plan to ensure it’s in a safe spot.
- Building Permit: Required for sheds over 200 sq. ft.
- Local Contact: Find your city’s contact info in the table above.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Litchfield County, CT?
Yes, you will likely need a permit for a shed in Litchfield County.
- Zoning Permit: Required to make sure you aren’t building over a property line or a septic field.
- Building Permit: Usually only required for sheds over 200 sq. ft.
- Local Contact: Find your city’s contact info in the table above.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Middlesex County, CT?
Yes, you typically need a permit for a shed in Middlesex County.
- Zoning Permit: Required for almost all “accessory structures” to verify location and height.
- Building Permit: Required for sheds over 200 sq. ft.
- Local Contact: Find your city’s contact info in the table above.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In New Haven County, CT?
Yes, you usually need a permit for a shed in New Haven County.
- Zoning Permit: Required. Towns like West Haven or Waterbury require a zoning “sign-off” before we can deliver.
- Building Permit: Required for sheds over 200 sq. ft.
- Local Contact: Find your city’s contact info in the table above.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In New London County, CT?
Yes, you almost always need a permit for a shed in New London County.
- Zoning Permit: Required to get a “Certificate of Zoning Compliance” for your new building.
- Building Permit: Required for sheds over 200 sq. ft.
- Local Contact: Find your city’s contact info in the table above.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Tolland County, CT?
Yes, you will need a permit for a shed in Tolland County.
- Zoning Permit: Required for all sheds.
- Building Permit: Required for any shed over 120 sq. ft. (Tolland towns are often stricter than the state’s 200 sq. ft. rule).
- Local Contact: Find your city’s contact info in the table above.
Do I Need A Shed Permit In Windham County, CT?
Yes, you usually need a permit for a shed in Windham County.
- Zoning Permit: Required for sheds larger than 120 sq. ft.
- Building Permit: Required for sheds over 200 sq. ft.
- Local Contact: Find your city’s contact info in the table above.
Next Steps for Your New Shed
Before moving forward with a shed project in Connecticut, take time to confirm the rules that apply to your property. Shed permit requirements are enforced locally, and each city or town may have its own standards for placement, size, and utilities.
Once you’ve checked with your local building or planning and zoning office and understand what approvals are required, you can explore shed options and begin planning a structure that fits your property and needs.
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customer reviews
See what our past customers have to say about us! (You can also check our third-party Google reviews and Facebook reviews.)
My experience from Sheds Unlimited was great. The website is very professional and informative. Working with Ryan to get our shed exactly how we wanted it was a pleasure and painless. Communication from the office
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My experience from Sheds Unlimited was great. The website is very professional and informative. Working with Ryan to get our shed exactly how we wanted it was a pleasure and painless. Communication from the office about build schedule and delivery was spot-on. Upon delivery Nate was great. He was very informative about the shed and meticulous on moving it to its location. Once he set the shed he asked us if we liked the location. We checked it and wanted it 3″ closer to the house. He was very happy to nudge it over and he saw how happy we were with it. It was a great experience from a great company. This is the only company to purchase a shed from. In the near future we are looking to have a garage installed and it will be from Sheds Unlimited. Thank You!!!
JNB
Sweetwater NJ
February 5, 2026
Our Sheds Unlimited experience began on their informative website. We used their on-line design tool to create our shed, and the project flowed smoothly from design to delivery. Our site is very steep, and I
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Our Sheds Unlimited experience began on their informative website. We used their on-line design tool to create our shed, and the project flowed smoothly from design to delivery. Our site is very steep, and I truly doubted they would be able to deliver our 12’ X 14’ shed. They committed to delivery after reviewing pictures of our narrow street and steep hillside yard. Nate is a master equipment operator. He had our shed sitting perfectly level on our pad about 30 minutes after arrival. I was amazed by what he could with their specialized equipment. Fantastic work Sheds Unlimited!!
Matt
Duncannon, PA
August 12, 2024
What can I say about Sheds Unlimited that hasn’t been said? The process to design what I wanted could not have been easier, the delivery was spot on time and the installation crew (Gideon, Joshua
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What can I say about Sheds Unlimited that hasn’t been said? The process to design what I wanted could not have been easier, the delivery was spot on time and the installation crew (Gideon, Joshua and Leroy) was awesome! I could not say enough good things about Sheds Unlimited, I highly recommend them!
Jonathan Golding
Howell, NJ
September 12, 2023
I started this process of building a garage 2-3 years ago. I called local builders. Two of them never returned my calls, and one guy chewed me out for finding his number on the web
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I started this process of building a garage 2-3 years ago. I called local builders. Two of them never returned my calls, and one guy chewed me out for finding his number on the web and calling him without being referred by someone. I’m not kidding, this is how the building contractor experience is right now in New England. My web searches always turned up Sheds Unlimited and I saw that they had stories from folks in New England who had used them to build garages even though they are in Pennsylvania. I decided to go through the quote process. There was a similar shed & garage company closer to my home in New England so I got quotes from both of them for similar garages. The New England company quoted me a number that was 2 1/2 times higher than Sheds Unlimited quote. I decided to go with Sheds Unlimited. I worked with Sergey in sales over many emails on exactly what I wanted. There was never a moment when he seemed bothered or impatient by my questions and my changes. Everything was possible and everything had a clear dollar amount, the sale never felt rushed. I finally decided on a design and paid the deposit. The local permit process went smoothly with the plans I purchased from Sheds Unlimited. The process of getting a foundation and pad from a local contractor was probably the most difficult part of the process. Contractors that do concrete work, are used to working with builders, not private homeowners. But I found a guy and gave him the plan and I eventually got a nice pad and foundation. I told Michael from Sheds Unlimited the pad was ready and I expected to wait 10+ weeks since it was now summertime. I got the call only 5 weeks later from Gideon the project manager that they were ready. On the scheduled day Nathan and his crew of 3 young, hard working Amish carpenters arrived and discovered that my driveway was the worst-case scenario. They could not get their very long and heavy trailer up our driveway due to the tightness of the turn and narrowness of the driveway. So they had to unload everything from the trailer at the road to my build site which is about 900 feet from the public road. They dealt with local vehicle traffic, and unhelpful local police. The young crew had to run back and forth the 900 feet to walk alongside the forklift to make sure the preconstructed structural members did not swing into trees. Not once did they show any frustration or anger. Nathan was still positive and smiling when I talked with him about it later. So after all this arrival difficulty, when they finally starting constructing the garage, it went up incredibly fast. Every worker knew their part. There was no question about what they should be doing. They practically got the whole 2-story 2 car garage up in one day even after the delay from the driveway issues. They only stopped for the day when torrential rain finally started. They showed up at 5:30 AM the next day and finished the job. I can’t say enough great things about what I witnessed with this construction crew. Like I said, I have never seen anything like them in 26 years of hiring various contractors for home projects.
If you are considering a garage or shed, don’t even think twice. Contact Sheds Unlimited today. I guarantee you have never worked with any company as satisfying as them.
If you are considering a garage or shed, don’t even think twice. Contact Sheds Unlimited today. I guarantee you have never worked with any company as satisfying as them.
Eric C.
Eliot, ME
August 15, 2023