Shed Installation Permits in Philadelphia

Local Rule

City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I); Philadelphia Zoning Code and Administrative Code, official Shed FAQ

In most cases the City of Philadelphia requires both a zoning permit and a building permit before building or placing a shed, per L&I's own Shed FAQ; a shed 200 square feet or less, one story, placed away from the rear lot line, may qualify for a smaller-structure exception, while a shed greater than 200 square feet and not taller than 15 feet or one story needs both a zoning permit and a building permit. If the application includes a shed not permitted by the zoning code, L&I issues a refusal, appealable to the Zoning Board of Adjustments through a community meeting and public hearing. Properties in designated Historic Districts (Society Hill, Old City, and others) need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Philadelphia Historical Commission for a shed visible from a public right-of-way.

Source · Verified September 2026

Philadelphia Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Philadelphia County

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

Philadelphia County / local code

In Philadelphia County a shed under 120 square feet in a rear yard typically needs no permit, but the same shed in a side yard often needs a zoning permit (as in Philadelphia). A shed over 120 square feet, or one with utilities or a permanent foundation, needs a building permit, and zoning setbacks apply regardless of size.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Philadelphia 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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