What Size Shed Requires a Permit in Georgia?

One of the most common questions from Georgia homeowners: do I need a permit for my storage shed? The frustrating answer is that there is no single statewide rule. The threshold that triggers a permit requirement — and how you apply — depends entirely on which county you live in, and whether you're inside a city's limits or in unincorporated county territory.

This guide covers the specific size thresholds, fees, and application steps for every major Georgia county, drawn directly from each county's building department records. We update it when rules change.

Georgia Shed Permit Thresholds by County

The table below shows the size threshold above which a building permit is required for a storage shed in unincorporated areas of each county. If you live inside a city or municipality, check with your city's building department — city rules often differ from county rules.

What Counts Toward Square Footage?

Most Georgia counties measure shed square footage from exterior wall to exterior wall at the floor level, not including roof overhangs. A 12×16 shed is 192 sq ft and would require a permit in counties with a 144 or 120 sq ft threshold, but not in counties using 200 sq ft as the cutoff.

Pre-built sheds delivered on a trailer follow the same size rules as site-built sheds. The method of construction does not affect whether a permit is required — only the size and your zoning district matter.

What Happens If You Skip the Permit?

Skipping a required permit is a real problem in Georgia, and it tends to surface at the worst possible time: when you sell your home. Here's what typically happens:

• Title search reveals unpermitted structures — buyers' lenders can refuse to close until the issue is resolved.
• Retroactive permit required — you may have to apply for an after-the-fact permit, which requires an inspection. If the shed doesn't meet current setbacks or building codes, you may have to move or remove it.
• Fines and stop-work orders — counties can issue fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 or more for unpermitted construction.
• Insurance complications — homeowners insurance may not cover an unpermitted structure if it's damaged.

The permit process for a small shed is usually simple and affordable. It's rarely worth skipping.

Setback Requirements for Sheds in Georgia

Even if your shed is small enough to be permit-exempt, you still must place it within the legal setback limits for your property. Setbacks define how close to a property line you can build. In most Georgia counties, the standard setback rules for accessory structures are:

• Rear yard setback: 5–10 feet from the rear property line
• Side yard setback: 5 feet from the side property line
• Front yard: Sheds are almost never permitted in front yards
• Distance from house: Usually must be at least 6 feet from the primary structure

These are general figures — your specific zoning district may have different requirements. Use your county's GIS or zoning map, or call the building department, to confirm the exact setbacks for your parcel.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

For most Georgia county shed permits, you'll need to submit:

• A completed permit application form (most counties now have online portals)
• A site plan showing your property lines, the existing house footprint, and the proposed shed location with dimensions and setback measurements
• The shed's dimensions and construction plans (for pre-built sheds, the manufacturer's spec sheet usually suffices)
• Payment of the permit fee (by check or credit card depending on the county)

If you're hiring a contractor to install the shed, verify that they hold a current Georgia contractor's license and are registered in your county. Some counties — including Henry County — require the contractor to have an Occupational Tax Certificate before beginning work.

How Long Does the Permit Take?

For straightforward shed permits in Georgia counties, review typically takes 3–10 business days after a complete application is submitted. Many counties have moved to online permit portals that speed up the process significantly:

• Gwinnett County uses an online portal and often issues simple shed permits within 3–5 business days.
• Cherokee County accepts electronic applications and typically reviews within 5–7 business days.
• Fulton County has an online portal but reviews can take 7–10 days due to volume.
• DeKalb County requires an in-person or email submission for some project types.

After the permit is issued, you'll typically need to call for an inspection after the shed is placed or built. The inspector checks that the structure meets setback requirements and is properly anchored.

Specific County Pages

For a deeper breakdown of the permit process in your specific county — including the exact application link, fee schedule, and inspection requirements — visit the county-specific guide:

• Gwinnett County Building Permits
• Cherokee County Building Permits
• Fulton County Building Permits
• Hall County Building Permits
• Cobb County Building Permits
• All Georgia counties →

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a permit for a 10×12 shed in Georgia? +
  A 10×12 shed is 120 square feet. In most Georgia counties, this is right at or just under the typical exemption threshold. Cherokee and Henry counties require a permit for all sheds regardless of size. Fulton and DeKalb counties also require a permit at 120 sq ft. In Hall, Douglas, and Paulding counties, which use a 200 sq ft threshold, a 10×12 shed does not require a permit — but you still must meet setback rules. Check your specific county using the table above or call your building department.
• Does a pre-built or delivered shed need a permit in Georgia? +
  Yes, if it exceeds the size threshold for your county. Georgia counties apply the same permit rules to pre-built sheds delivered by a vendor as they do to sheds built on-site. The fact that the shed arrives assembled doesn't change whether a permit is required. After the shed is placed, an inspection will typically be scheduled to verify setbacks and anchoring. The vendor you purchase from cannot obtain the permit for you — that's the property owner's responsibility.
• What is the setback for a shed in Georgia? +
  Setback requirements vary by county and zoning district, but the most common rules across Georgia counties are: 5 feet from rear property lines, 5 feet from side property lines, and sheds are not permitted in front yards. In some counties, the setback depends on the size of the shed — larger structures may require a greater setback. Always check your specific parcel's zoning district. Your county's GIS portal (usually accessible via the county website) shows property lines and zoning designations.
• Can I get a permit after my shed is already built? +
  Yes — most Georgia counties allow retroactive or "after-the-fact" permits for unpermitted structures. The process is similar to a normal permit application, but often includes an additional fee (typically 2× the normal permit fee as a penalty). An inspector will visit to verify the structure meets current setback and building code requirements. If it doesn't — for example, if the shed is too close to the property line — you may need to relocate or modify the structure before the permit can be issued.
• Do I need electricity in my shed to need a permit? +
  Even if the shed itself doesn't require a building permit based on size, adding electricity almost always requires a separate electrical permit. You'll need a licensed electrician to run the wiring, and an inspection is required after installation. If the shed does require a building permit, the electrical work is typically added as a sub-permit on the same application. Never run electrical to an outbuilding without an electrical permit — it creates a fire hazard and will almost certainly be flagged during a home sale inspection.