Shed Installation Permits in Savannah

Local Rule

City of Savannah Building Services; City of Savannah Storage Shed Permit Information

Savannah does not require a building permit for a storage shed that is one story and less than 120 square feet, per the city's own guidance; a shed 120 square feet or greater, or more than one story, needs a building permit. Zoning must be contacted separately to check setbacks from the property line and lot coverage requirements for the applicable zoning district. If power will be run to the shed, an electrical permit is needed; for sheds 120 square feet or greater, electrical can be included in the All-Inclusive Building Permit application. Permit fees carry a $40 minimum plus $8 for every $1,000 of construction cost. Savannah's extensive historic districts may add design review requirements for a shed visible from the public right-of-way.

Source · Verified September 2026

Savannah Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Chatham County

Savannah's own rule is shown above (No permit under 120 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services

In unincorporated Chatham County the Office of Building Safety lists accessory buildings, storage buildings and tool sheds among the structures that require a building permit, and publishes no square-footage exemption for them. Plan on pulling a permit for a shed of any size, and confirm current setback and submittal requirements with the county before building.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Savannah with a confirmed shed installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a shed installation project:

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