City Guide · Verified 2026
Shed Installation Permits in Cambridge
Local Rule
City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department; Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR — sources conflict on the exact local threshold
Cambridge is reported to require a building permit for sheds that are 120 square feet or larger, though at least one other source describes Cambridge as following the state's broader 200-square-foot exemption instead, so this figure carries some uncertainty. A shed must sit at least 20 feet from the front property line, 10 feet from side and rear property lines, and 10 feet from the home, regardless of the building-permit threshold. Any structure over 600 square feet requires footings under the state building code. Properties in a Cambridge historic district need Historical Commission approval for a shed, even one that doesn't otherwise need a building permit, and properties near the Charles River, Fresh Pond, or other protected resource areas may need Conservation Commission review.
Source · Verified September 2026
Cambridge Building Department
Office: City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department
Address: 831 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 349-6100
Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
How This Compares to Middlesex County
Cambridge's own rule is shown above (No permit under 120 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:
No county-level building department — each town administers
780 CMR exempts one-story sheds under 200 sq ft from a building permit statewide, but Middlesex towns diverge on the details: Bedford requires a separate "shed permit" plus a certified plot plan even for sheds under 200 sq ft (short of the full building permit), while Andover only requires a building permit above 200 sq ft with a minimum 5 ft setback. Statewide, 780 CMR requires footings for any structure over 600 sq ft.
Nearby Cities with Verified Rules
Other cities near Cambridge with a confirmed shed installation rule:
FAQs
Which department handles Shed Installation permits in Cambridge?
City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department; Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR — sources conflict on the exact local threshold handles Shed Installation permits in Cambridge.
Is Cambridge different from Middlesex County on Shed Installation?
Yes. Cambridge's rule is "No permit under 120 sqft", while Middlesex County in general is "Set by local rules". See the full breakdown of each below.
Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need
Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a shed installation project:
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