PLAN YOUR PROJECT WITH CONFIDENCE

​Do You Need a Permit for a ​Shed in Massachusetts?

A one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less doesn't require a building permit in Massachusetts.
Your town may still require zoning approval, setback compliance, conservation review, or historic district approval. 

Built on your property Local project guidance Building details when needed
*Please contact us for information on permits for buildings over 200 square feet. 
THE SHORT ANSWER

THERE ARE THREE PARTS TO THE PERMIT QUESTION.

The state building department rule is only the starting point. Your town and property determine what else needs approval.

Start with the size
​A one story detached storage shed at or below 200 square feet is generally exempt from the state building permit. Other uses and larger buildings may differ.

Check your town
​​Zoning, property line setbacks, and local registration or review can still apply. Ask the building department what it needs.

check your property
​​Conservation areas, wetlands, septic systems, and historic districts can add requirements. Your plot plan can help.
​
State reference: Massachusetts residential building code, tenth edition, R105.2. Confirm your project with your town.
A PRACTICAL NEXT STEP

KNOW WHAT TO ASK
​BEFORE YOU ORDER

​You do not need to understand every regulation before choosing a shed.
These details will help your town give you a useful answer.

  • The town and address where the shed will be built
  • The approximate shed size and intended use
  • Its proposed location and distance from property lines
  • Any conservation, septic, or historic district concerns
HOW SALT SPRAY HELPS

wE HELP YOU PLAN
​THE BUILDING

​Once your design is finalized, we can provide dimensions and building information your town commonly requests. When a drawing is needed, we can discuss what is appropriate for your project.
​The homeowner submits applications and obtains required approvals.
​We can answer questions about your Salt Spray building.

Cape Cod and the Islands

Find your town’s building department.

Use these contacts to ask about your property, setbacks, applications and local review. Confirm current instructions with the town.

WHILE YOU PLAN

EXPLORE SHED STYLES

CAPE COD
​COTTAGE

​Classic cedar shingles and traditional detailing.
Explore this shed

MARTHA'S VINEYARD LOFT

​Cape style with useful overhead storage.
Explore this shed
Good questions to ask

Shed permit questions, answered.

Massachusetts establishes the building permit exemption. Your town and property may still determine whether other zoning, conservation, septic, historic or local approvals are required.

Do I need a building permit for a shed in Massachusetts?

Under the Massachusetts residential building code, a one story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use does not require a building permit under 780 CMR when the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Other laws or local requirements involving zoning, setbacks, conservation, septic systems or historic districts may still apply.

What size shed requires a building permit in Massachusetts?

Under the Massachusetts residential building code, one story detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses are exempt from the building permit requirement when the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. A shed that exceeds 200 square feet requires a building permit under the state code. Other local approvals may still apply regardless of shed size.

Do I need a permit for a 10x12 shed in Massachusetts?

A 10x12 shed contains 120 square feet of floor area. If it is a one story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed or similar use, it is below the 200 square foot threshold and does not require a Massachusetts building permit under 780 CMR. Local zoning, setbacks, conservation, septic or other requirements may still apply.

Do I need a permit to put a shed in my backyard?

A one story detached tool or storage shed of 200 square feet or less does not require a Massachusetts building permit under the state residential code. That does not mean it can be placed anywhere on the property. Local zoning, setbacks, septic areas, conservation rules, flood zones, historic districts and other requirements may affect where the shed can be located.

Does a prefabricated shed need a permit in Massachusetts?

The fact that a shed is prefabricated does not change the Massachusetts building permit exemption. A one story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed or similar use that does not exceed 200 square feet is exempt from the state building permit requirement. Larger structures require a building permit, and local zoning or other approvals may apply to sheds of any size.

Does the 200 square foot rule mean I can put a shed anywhere?

No. The building permit exemption only addresses whether a building permit is required under the Massachusetts building code. It does not eliminate local zoning or other property requirements. Your town may regulate setbacks, lot coverage, septic areas, conservation areas, flood zones, historic districts and other conditions that affect where a shed can be placed.

How do I apply if my town requires approval?

Contact your town's building department or use its online permitting system. Ask which applications, property documents, building details and fees are required for your proposed shed. The type of approval and process can vary by town and by property.

What if I do not have a plot plan?

Ask the building department or board of health whether a plot plan, septic plan or other property record is already on file. The town can tell you whether an existing document is sufficient or whether a new plan or survey is required.

What if the location I want does not meet the setbacks?

A different location, size or design may work better. Your town can explain whether another placement is allowed or whether relief such as a variance may be available. Salt Spray can help you explore a building size and design that works with your property.

Will my shed need concrete footings or a slab?

That depends on the building, site conditions and any applicable local requirements. Many Salt Spray sheds use solid concrete blocks on a properly prepared site. Larger buildings, garages or properties with special conditions may require a different foundation. Your written estimate and applicable town requirements should determine the final foundation.

Who submits the permit applications?

The homeowner is generally responsible for submitting required applications and obtaining approvals. Salt Spray can help finalize your building design, provide available building information and answer questions about the proposed structure. If your town requests a drawing or other building information, we can discuss what is appropriate for your project.

State reference: Massachusetts residential building code, tenth edition, R105.2 . The building permit exemption does not eliminate permits or approvals that may be required under other laws.

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