Free Interactive Tool

Building Permit
Requirement Checker

Select your state, county, and project. Get the specific threshold, fee range, and a link to apply — in seconds.

Currently covering 25+ counties across Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Maryland, Texas, Colorado, and Ohio. More counties added regularly.

Disclaimer: This tool provides general guidance based on researched county data and is not a substitute for official verification. Building permit rules change. Always confirm with your county or city building department before starting any project. PermitLocal is not affiliated with any government agency.

How to Use This Tool

  1. Select your state from the dropdown. The county list updates automatically.
  2. Select your county. If you're inside a city (Raleigh, Atlanta, Nashville), you may need to use that city's building department instead. Use "unincorporated" county rules only if your address is not within a city's limits.
  3. Select your project type. If you're building a shed or deck, enter the square footage for a specific answer.
  4. Click Check. You'll see whether a permit is required, the specific threshold for your county, and the typical fee range.
  5. Follow the link to your county's official permit portal to start your application.

Common Shed Sizes in Square Feet

DimensionsSquare FeetTypical Permit Status
8×1080 sq ftUsually exempt (most counties)
10×12120 sq ftExempt in most — required in some (Montgomery Co. MD)
10×14140 sq ftUsually exempt (most counties use 144+ threshold)
12×12144 sq ftRequires permit in counties with 144 sq ft threshold
12×16192 sq ftRequires permit in almost all counties
16×16256 sq ftRequires permit everywhere
16×20320 sq ftRequires permit everywhere
20×24480 sq ftRequires permit everywhere — likely needs engineering review

Related Permit Guides

Shed Permits →

Deck Permits →

Fence Permits →

Pool Permits →