Shed Installation Permits in St. Paul

Local Rule

City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI); Minnesota Rules Part 1300.0120 — sources conflict on whether St. Paul amended this figure locally

St. Paul is reported to follow the Minnesota statewide exemption of 200 square feet or less for a one-story detached tool or storage shed; a separate detailed source instead describes a stricter local threshold of 120 square feet for the city, with all structures in Heritage Preservation Districts requiring a permit regardless of size, so this figure carries some uncertainty. All sheds, even those exempt from a building permit, must still comply with the St. Paul Zoning Code and Minnesota State Building Code for setbacks and placement. A site plan showing the shed's footprint and distance to all property lines is required for anything above the exemption size.

Source · Verified September 2026

St. Paul Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Ramsey County

St. Paul's own rule is shown above (No permit under 200 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

City of Saint Paul DSI / Minnesota Department of Labor and I

The City of Saint Paul, the largest city in Ramsey County, confirms via its own official document that the shed exemption threshold is 200 sq ft, contradicting some secondary sources that cite 120 sq ft for Saint Paul. Minnesota Rules 1300.0120 sets this statewide floor, which local jurisdictions cannot tighten.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near St. Paul 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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