Shed Permits and Codes in Salt Lake City
Before breaking ground on a new shed, it’s crucial to understand local regulations. Utah doesn’t impose a single statewide code; cities and counties set their own rules. In Salt Lake City, residential sheds under 200 sq ft generally do not require a building permit. The City’s building services FAQ confirms that playhouses and sheds under 200 sq ft are among the projects that typically don’t need permits slc.gov. However, exceeding this threshold or adding utilities changes things—any accessory structure over 200 sq ft or any size structure with electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems will need a permit.
Key permitting rules
Permit‑free size: An accessory structure 200 sq ft or less doesn’t require a building permit in Salt Lake City. This size lets homeowners store tools or hobby gear without extensive paperwork. Structures above 200 sq ft must go through a permit process.
Zoning compliance: Even permit‑exempt sheds must follow zoning rules. The city’s accessory‑building guide notes that structures must not encroach into required front yards and must be set back at least as far as the principal building. On corner lots, sheds must stay at least 20 ft from sidewalks or pedestrian ways.
Property‑line setbacks: Sheds placed behind the main house must maintain at least a 1 ft setback from side and rear property lines. They may not occupy more than 50 % of the rear yard. Additionally, no part of an accessory building may be closer than 4 ft to the main house or 10 ft to a house on an adjacent lot.
Height limits: In most residential zones, the maximum height for an accessory building with a pitched roof is 17 ft, measured from grade to the peak. Sheds with flat roofs are limited to 12 ft. These limits help preserve neighborhood scale.
How Spacium Design simplifies compliance
Spacium Design helps clients navigate these rules without stress. Here’s how:
Right‑sized footprints: We recommend footprints like 10×20 ft (200 sq ft) or 12×16 ft (192 sq ft) to maximize usable space while staying below permit thresholds. For larger projects, we provide detailed plans and documentation.
Site‑planning assistance: Our designers position sheds to meet setback requirements—keeping them out of required front yards, maintaining proper side‑ and rear‑yard clearances and respecting corner‑lot setbacks. We also advise on height compliance and roof styles to fit within 17 ft or 12 ft limits.
Permit guidance: For projects requiring permits, we assemble site plans, elevation drawings and application materials. We clarify which trades (electrical, plumbing) trigger additional permits and coordinate with the city to secure approvals.
Zoning expertise: Our team stays current on Salt Lake City’s zoning regulations. We ensure sheds remain behind the front setback line and occupy no more than 50 % of the rear yard, protecting your investment from costly violations.
Why compliance matters
Attempting to skirt local rules can lead to fines, red tags or forced removal of your shed. Salt Lake City warns that building without required permits may result in stop‑work orders and additional fees slc.gov. Working with a knowledgeable builder not only ensures your structure is safe and legal but also preserves property value and prevents delays when selling or refinancing.
Need help navigating permits? Get Quote Now or call (385) 371‑5198.
