Shed Installation Permits in Arlington

Local Rule

City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Department; City of Arlington adopted International Residential Code, Work Exempt From Permitting bulletin

A one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed does not require a building permit in Arlington provided the floor area does not exceed 100 square feet, per the city's own code text and Work Exempt From Permitting bulletin; a shed exceeding 100 square feet requires a permit. Setbacks and easements still apply even to an exempt shed, and the city's DIY Permit Guide recommends checking a site survey or hiring a surveyor to confirm exact lot coverage before building. Applications and inspections are managed through the city's online permitting system at arlingtonpermits.com.

Source · Verified September 2026

Arlington Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Tarrant County

Arlington's own rule is shown above (No permit under 100 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Tarrant County / local code

Unlike most of Texas, the City of Fort Worth requires a building permit for every storage shed regardless of size, with zoning rules that depend on lot size, shed height, and footprint. Elsewhere in Tarrant County and most Texas cities, sheds under about 120 to 200 square feet are commonly exempt.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Arlington 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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