Shed Permits in RI: The Ultimate Guide

Are you thinking about adding a shed to your backyard in Rhode Island? Before you start building, it is important to understand when a shed permit is required, what rules apply in your town, and how to avoid delays or costly mistakes. In this guide to shed permits in RI, we will walk you through the key permit requirements, common size and placement rules, zoning considerations, and the step-by-step process to get approved, so you can move forward with confidence and keep your project fully compliant.

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed in RI?

Yes, in Rhode Island, sheds over 64 square feet typically require a building permit, though some municipalities may allow sheds up to 200 square feet without one, as long as zoning approval is obtained. No matter the size, every shed must comply with local zoning rules and setback requirements, and it must be properly anchored for safety and stability. 

Do I Need a Permit to Run Electricity to My Shed in RI?

Yes, you will almost certainly need a permit to run electricity to a shed in Rhode Island. Even if a small, one-story detached shed under 120 square feet does not require a building permit for construction in some municipalities, adding any electrical system still requires a separate electrical permit.

Do I Need Zoning Approval Even If I Do Not Need A Building Permit For My Shed In RI?

Yes, in Rhode Island, you will usually still need zoning approval or a zoning permit for a shed, even if it is small enough, often under 64 to 200 square feet, depending on the town, to avoid needing a building permit. Zoning review confirms your shed meets local setback rules, height restrictions, and lot coverage limits.

What Customizations Can I Add To My Shed In RI?

You can customize your shed in Rhode Island with exterior upgrades like stronger roofing, different siding styles, and paint colors that match your home. Many homeowners also add functional features such as double doors, ramps, windows, skylights, and storage upgrades like shelves or lofts. If you plan to use the shed as a workspace, you can include electrical wiring, lighting, insulation, and ventilation for better comfort year-round.

Shed Permit Requirements For Cities in Rhode Island

Because shed permit requirements can vary from city to city in Rhode Island, it’s best to verify the rules for your exact location before building. Use the table below to find your city office and confirm the correct permit steps, fees, and guidelines.

Barrington	Building & Zoning
Burrillville	Building & Zoning
Central Falls	Building & Construction
Coventry	Building
Cranston	Building Inspection
Cumberland	Building & Zoning
East Providence	Building Inspection
Hopkinton	Building & Zoning
North Providence	Inspections
North Smithfield	Building, Inspection & Zoning
Pawtucket	Zoning & Code Enforcement
Warren	Building & Zoning
Warwick	Building
Westerly	Building
Woonsocket	Building Inspections & Code Enforcement

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Barrington, RI?

Yes. In Barrington, RI, you need a permit for a shed. If your shed is under 200 square feet, you must apply for a Zoning Permit through the OpenGov permit portal since it still must meet zoning dimensional requirements for an accessory structure. If your shed is over 200 square feet, you must apply for a Building Permit through the OpenGov permit portal.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Burrillville, RI?

Yes, you will typically need a building or zoning permit for a shed in Burrillville, RI, especially if it is over certain size limits (often around 100 to 200 square feet) or if you plan to add electricity. Even if a small pre-built shed does not require a full building permit, it must still comply with local zoning rules, including setback requirements.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Central Falls, RI?

Yes, in Central Falls, RI, you will likely need a building permit for a shed, since permits are generally required for most exterior construction projects. While some smaller or non-permanent structures in Rhode Island may not require a permit, it is strongly recommended to confirm requirements with the Central Falls Division of Code Enforcement before you begin. Permits are handled online through the Rhode Island Statewide E Permitting Portal.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Coventry, RI?

Yes, in Coventry, RI, you typically need a permit for a shed if it is larger than 120 square feet. Sheds that are 120 square feet or smaller may not require a building permit, but they still must meet zoning rules, including setback requirements that are usually about 5 to 10 feet from property lines. To be safe, confirm the details with the Town of Coventry Building Department.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Cranston, RI?

Yes, in Cranston, RI, you typically need a building permit for a shed that is over 64 square feet, based on city guidelines. Sheds that are 64 square feet or smaller do not require a building permit, but all sheds must still follow zoning setback rules, cannot be placed in a front yard, and cannot be larger than 192 square feet.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Cumberland, RI?

Yes, you will usually need a building permit for a shed in Cumberland, RI, since the town requires permits for accessory structures, especially those with foundations or over certain size limits. While very small sheds may sometimes avoid strict permitting, it is best to confirm with the Cumberland Building & Zoning Department because rules can vary by shed size, with approvals commonly required for structures over 120 square feet.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In East Providence, RI?

Yes, in East Providence, RI, you will likely need a building permit for detached accessory structures such as sheds. While some surrounding communities may exempt very small sheds, East Providence ordinances typically require permits to confirm the shed meets zoning and setback requirements and follows proper safety and construction standards, especially for new builds or upgrades.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Hopkinton, RI?

Yes, you typically need a building permit for storage sheds and other accessory structures in Hopkinton, RI. While small, non-structural repairs may not require approval, most new construction, including detached sheds, must be reviewed by the Hopkinton Building and Zoning Department to ensure it meets zoning rules such as setback requirements.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In North Providence, RI?

Yes, in North Providence, RI, you will typically need a building permit for a shed, since the Department of Inspections requires permits for most construction work, including accessory structures. While some nearby communities may exempt sheds under 120 square feet, it is important to confirm the exact rules with the North Providence Building Department before you start, since they oversee zoning and setback requirements, along with any electrical, plumbing, or foundation approvals.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In North Smithfield, RI?

Yes, in North Smithfield, RI, you will typically need a building permit for a shed. The town requires permits for constructing any type of structure, including accessory buildings like sheds. You will need to provide a plot plan that shows the shed’s location, dimensions, and setback distances to the Building and Zoning official for review and approval.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Pawtucket, RI?

Yes, in Pawtucket, RI, you typically need a building permit for a shed that is 120 square feet or larger, or if it will be installed on a permanent foundation. You may also need a zoning permit to confirm the shed meets setback requirements from property lines. To be sure, check with the City of Pawtucket Department of Planning and Redevelopment before starting construction.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Warren, RI?

Yes, you will usually need a permit for a shed in Warren, RI. While small or temporary sheds may follow different rules, most larger or permanent structures require a building permit. The Town of Warren lists specific shed permit fees, including a $30 fee for sheds under 400 square feet, and applications must be submitted through the Warren Building and Zoning Department.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Warwick, RI?

Yes, you will typically need a permit for a shed in Warwick, RI, especially if it is over 200 square feet or if it includes electrical or plumbing work. While smaller detached accessory structures may have fewer requirements, all sheds must still comply with local zoning rules, including setback distances from property lines (often around 10 feet from rear property lines).

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Westerly, RI?

Yes, in Westerly, RI, you will need both a building permit and zoning approval for a shed. The Town of Westerly Building Office requires permits for all new detached accessory structures, including sheds, and zoning review is also required to approve the shed’s placement on the property.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Woonsocket, RI?

Yes, in Woonsocket, RI, you will generally need a building permit to build or modify a structure, including a shed. However, small one-story detached accessory structures under 120 square feet may be exempt from the building permit requirement, but you should still confirm zoning compliance with the Woonsocket Building Inspection Department before starting.

Shed Permit Requirements For Counties in Rhode Island

Since county rules differ across Rhode Island, it’s important to check your local requirements before building a shed. View the table below to find your county office and confirm the correct permit rules, fees, and application steps.

Bristol County	Building Inspection
Kent County	East Greenwich Building
Newport County	Building & Inspections
Providence County	Inspection & Standards
Washington County	County Website

Do I Need A Shed Permit For Bristol County, RI?

Yes, in Bristol, RI, you must obtain a building permit for any shed that is larger than 64 square feet. Smaller sheds may be exempt from the building permit requirement, but zoning approval could still be needed depending on where the shed is placed on the property. Permit applications, including required plot plans and any necessary zoning review, are submitted through the town’s OpenGov portal.

Do I Need A Shed Permit For Kent County, RI?

Yes, in Kent County, RI, you will typically need a building permit for a shed, especially if it is larger than about 120 to 200 square feet or placed on a permanent foundation. While some towns may exempt smaller temporary sheds under 120 square feet from building permits, you still must follow local zoning rules, setback requirements, and land use regulations

Do I Need A Shed Permit For Newport County, RI?

Yes, a shed permit is typically required in Newport County, RI, especially for sheds over certain size limits or those that include utilities. In the City of Newport, a building permit and site plan are required for sheds, while Middletown requires a permit for sheds larger than 64 square feet.

Do I Need A Shed Permit For Providence County, RI?

Yes, in Providence County, RI, shed permits are often required, but the exact rules vary by municipality. In the City of Providence, one-story detached sheds under 120 square feet without plumbing or electrical work usually do not require a permit. However, nearby cities can have stricter standards, such as Cranston, which requires permits for sheds over 64 square feet, so it is always important to confirm local zoning and setback rules.

Do I Need A Shed Permit For Washington County, RI?

Yes, in Washington County, RI, shed permit rules vary by town, but a building permit is commonly required once a shed exceeds a certain size limit, often around 100 to 200 square feet. Even when a building permit is not required, zoning regulations still apply, including setback requirements that determine how far the shed must be from property lines.

Custom Built Storage Sheds That Meet Local Permit and Zoning Requirements

Looking for a storage shed that is built to last and designed to meet local requirements? At Sheds Unlimited, we offer a wide range of storage sheds for sale in multiple sizes and styles, making it easier to choose a structure that fits your property and aligns with common zoning and permit regulations. We also provide plenty of customization options, including upgraded doors, windows, ramps, shelving, lofts, vents, and additional features that can improve functionality while keeping your shed compliant with local rules. Whether you need a compact backyard shed or a larger structure for heavy-duty storage, Sheds Unlimited makes it easy to create a shed that matches your needs and your municipality’s guidelines.