Do You Need a Permit for a Shed in Indiana?

The Short Answer: It Depends on the Size

Indiana doesn’t have a statewide rule exempting small sheds from building permits. Each county and city sets its own thresholds. In some jurisdictions, a small storage shed is permit-free. In others, every structure needs a permit regardless of size.

Here’s how to figure out what applies to your property.

Common Size Thresholds

Most Indiana jurisdictions that exempt small structures use one of these thresholds:

• 144 square feet (12x12) — The most common exemption threshold. If your shed is under 144 sq ft, many counties won’t require a building permit.
• 200 square feet — Some jurisdictions use a more generous threshold.
• No exemption — Certain jurisdictions require permits for all structures, regardless of size.

Important: Even when a shed is exempt from building permits, you may still need to meet zoning setback requirements. A permit-exempt shed that violates your property’s setback rules can still result in a zoning violation and an order to remove it.

What Counties Say About Sheds

Blackford County — Pre-Fab Shed Fast Track

Blackford County has one of the most shed-friendly policies in Indiana. Pre-fabricated sheds get expedited same-day or next-day approval with NO construction plans required. If you’re buying a pre-built shed and having it delivered, this is about as easy as it gets.

Carroll County — Portable Sheds Need Permits

Carroll County takes the opposite approach — portable and pre-fab sheds require building permits just like site-built structures. Don’t assume your shed-on-skids is automatically exempt.

Ripley County

Ripley County charges $115 + $0.10 per square foot for residential building permits. The 144 sq ft threshold applies for permit exemptions. Structures over 144 sq ft require a standard permit application.

Union County

Union County charges $150 + $0.07 per square foot for building permits. Their office is open mornings only (8 AM - noon), so plan your visit accordingly.

Do You Need a Permit? A Quick Checklist

Answer these questions to determine whether your shed needs a permit:

1. How big is it? — Check your jurisdiction’s size threshold. Under 144 sq ft is often exempt, but not always.
2. Does it have electricity or plumbing? — If yes, you’ll need at minimum an electrical or plumbing permit, even if the structure itself is exempt.
3. Is it on a permanent foundation? — Sheds on concrete slabs or poured foundations are more likely to require permits than those on blocks or skids.
4. Where on the lot will it go? — Even exempt sheds must meet zoning setbacks. Check your side and rear setback requirements.
5. Are there HOA restrictions? — Homeowner association rules are separate from building codes and may prohibit or restrict sheds entirely.

How to Get a Shed Permit

If your shed does require a permit, the process is straightforward:

1. Contact your local building department — Find yours on our county directory. Ask about size thresholds and requirements.
2. Prepare a site plan — Show your property boundaries, existing structures, and the proposed shed location with distances to property lines.
3. Submit basic construction details — For a simple shed, most jurisdictions accept a basic floor plan and elevation drawing. Self-drawn plans are often sufficient.
4. Pay the permit fee — Fees for small structures are typically on the low end of the fee schedule. Many counties charge $50-$150 for accessory structures.
5. Schedule inspections — Usually just a footing inspection (if on a permanent foundation) and a final inspection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming all sheds are exempt — Never assume. A quick phone call to your building department takes 5 minutes and can save you hundreds in fines.
• Ignoring setbacks — The most common shed problem isn’t the permit — it’s building too close to the property line. Check zoning setbacks before you pick a location.
• Forgetting about electrical — Running power to a shed almost always requires an electrical permit, even if the shed itself didn’t need a building permit.
• Exceeding lot coverage — Your zoning district sets a maximum percentage of your lot that can be covered by structures. A large shed could push you over the limit.

What Happens If You Build a Shed Without a Permit?

If your jurisdiction requires a permit and you skip it, you could face:

• Orders to remove the structure
• Fines and penalty fees
• Problems when selling your home (unpermitted structures flag on inspections)
• Insurance complications if the shed is damaged or damages neighboring property

For a small shed, the permit process is usually quick and inexpensive. It’s not worth the risk to skip it.

Find Your Local Requirements

Shed permit rules vary across Indiana’s 92 counties. Find the specific requirements for your jurisdiction on our county and city directory.