How to Get a Building Permit For Your Storage Shed
A building permit is a certificate that must be obtained by the property owner when new construction, remodels or additions are added to the home or property. Building permits can be obtained by your local municipality and must be posted or displayed in an obvious location during the construction phase. Usually, the new construction must be inspected both during and after the work is completed to ensure compliance of all building codes. Failure to obtain a building permit may result in penalties, fines and ever the demolition of the new construction.
If you are contemplating building an outdoor storage shed you should most certainly check to see if you need a building permit. In most jurisdictions permits are not needed for sheds under 110 square ft. The best thing to do is to check with your local permit office or municipal building department to find out the specifications for outdoor sheds in your area. You will want to look for your county building department or planning department. Once you reach this office, they will be able to tell you if a permit is needed for your outdoor shed or other home projects.
There are very good reasons for obtaining a permit, for example, when building an outdoor shed. It is very important that it is built to code so it does not blow over in heavy winds or sink into the ground. It is equally as important that your shed be on your property and not straddling a neighbor’s property. And finally, if you do not obtain a permit, the city or township could force you to move the shed or completely take it down. For this very reason it is better to obtain a permit than not and go through any unnecessary headaches.
So if you are thinking about building and outdoor shed, a fence, a deck or anything on your property, the smart thing to do would be to acquire a building permit. That way whatever you build will be done right and properly the first time.