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PermitRoadmap

Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Bonita Springs?

Permit required

Yes. In Florida, shed or accessory structure generally requires a permit, and Bonita Springs is no exception.

Florida has no statewide small-shed exemption. The widely repeated rule that a shed under 120 square feet needs no permit comes from the model International Codes, and Florida did not adopt it: section 105.2 of the Florida Building Code, Building exempts only specified gas, mechanical and plumbing work, with no category exempting detached accessory structures. Where a size threshold exists it is a local ordinance, and it genuinely differs, so ask your building department for the line that applies at your address. Any shed with electricity, plumbing or a permanent foundation needs a permit regardless of size, and zoning setbacks, flood zone rules and wind anchoring apply even when no building permit is required.

Get the checklist for your shed or accessory structure in Bonita Springs. A free check first, then a free printable Permit Prep Pack.

Florida and local notes for Bonita Springs

Lee County's own permitting office is the Lee County Community Development Department - Building & Permitting Services, reachable on (239) 533-8329 at https://www.leegov.com/dcd. Its online permit portal is https://aca-prod.accela.com/LEECO/Cap/CapHome.aspx?module=Permitting. It issues permits for the unincorporated county. If your city does not run its own building department, and many smaller Florida municipalities do not, this is the office that will handle the job. Ask specifically about the size that triggers a permit and about setbacks, since those are set locally and are the two things people most often get wrong on a shed. Bonita Springs states that permits are required for sheds. If the model is not mastered with the city or the State of Florida, the plans must be sealed, so check with the seller before buying. Under LDC 4-926, a residential accessory structure must be at least 5 feet from the rear line, no closer to a side line than the district's side setback or 10 feet (whichever is less), and no closer to the street than the house. LDC 4-2225 prohibits metal buildings with corrugated or galvanized steel exteriors over 240 square feet or 12 feet high for storage or parking in the RS, TFC, TF, RM, and RPD districts unless approved as a special exception.

Documents you may need

  • Permit applicationLikely required
  • Site plan showing setbacksLikely required
  • Structure dimensions or manufacturer drawingsSometimes required
  • Anchoring or tie-down detailsSometimes required
  • Permit or zoning applicationLikely required
  • Site plan showing setbacks and distance to lot linesLikely required
  • Anchoring or tie-down details for wind loadSometimes required
  • Residential Building Permit Application (Accessory: Shed)Likely required
  • Site plan showing setbacks from all lot lines and easementsLikely required
  • Sealed plans, unless the shed model is mastered with the city or the State of FloridaSometimes required

Possible inspections

  • Foundation or slab inspection
  • Framing and anchoring inspection
  • Final inspection
  • Tie-down or foundation inspection

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Bonita Springs?
Yes. In Florida, shed or accessory structure generally requires a permit, and Bonita Springs is no exception. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
Who issues the permit in Bonita Springs?
The local building department for Bonita Springs handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.

PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.