PlainPermit

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Do I need a permit for a shed in Austin, TX?

Last verified: · Confidence: high · 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: high

No building permit for a one-story detached shed up to 200 sq ft and 15 ft tall with no plumbing, not a dwelling, and not in a flood hazard area.

What changes the answer

Cost

Not stated as a flat fee; see the FY 2026-27 residential fee schedule (effective Oct 1, 2026). Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://austin.widen.net/s/fz9rhwg8qq/fees_residential

Where to apply

City of Austin Development Services (see Types of Permits for the right web form / AB+C Portal)

Permitting authority: City of Austin Development Services Department. Applies inside City of Austin jurisdiction. Flood hazard areas and the Wildland-Urban Interface change several exemptions.

Official sources

“A one-story detached accessory structure that is no more than 200 square feet (18.58 m2 ) of floor area, no more than 15 feet (4,572 mm) in height, does not create a dwelling, contains no plumbing, and is not located within a flood hazard area.”

Source: https://www.austintexas.gov/development-services/work-exempt-building-permits

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in Austin

Shed permits in other cities