PlainPermit

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Do I need a permit for a shed in Philadelphia, PA?

Last verified: · Confidence: medium · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: medium

No building permit for a shed under 200 sq ft footprint. A zoning permit is not needed if it is under 130 sq ft, under 15 ft tall and in the rear yard.

What changes the answer

Note: Read from a multi-column table in L&I's Start Right guide (June 2026).

Cost

Fee not extracted; see L&I. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-permit/building-and-repair-permits/get-permits-without-plans-ez-permits/

Where to apply

Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (eCLIPSE online permits)

Permitting authority: City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). Applies in the City and County of Philadelphia. Properties on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places may need Historical Commission review. Zoning permits are separate from building permits.

Official sources

“Sheds NO if <130 sq ft, <15’-0” YES if size limitations NO if <200 sq ft footprint”

Source: https://www.phila.gov/media/20260602151416/StartRight-FINAL-6.2026.pdf

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: medium

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Other projects in Philadelphia

Shed permits in other cities