Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Aurora?
It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Aurora comes down to the details of your project.
Aurora reviews sheds and other detached buildings through an Accessory Structure permit application. Small sheds under the city's size threshold may not need a building permit, while larger sheds and detached garages do, so confirm your square footage with the Division of Building and Permits before you build. Even an exempt shed must still meet Aurora zoning rules for setbacks, lot coverage and placement, and structures in a historic or Foxwalk district may need a Certificate of Appropriateness. A plat of survey or site plan is typically requested, and any permit is filed and tracked through the city's eTRAKiT online portal. Illinois has no single statewide shed threshold, so the 200 square foot figure quoted from the model International Residential Code does not govern here. Requirements are set by each municipality, and the ones we have checked are stricter than that figure: Wheaton does not require a building permit for a shed of 120 square feet or less, and Joliet requires a shed permit with a Residential Accessory Structures Review Form and a plat of survey showing the shed location. Assume the local number rather than a national one, and ask your building department for the threshold that applies at your address before you buy the shed. Zoning setbacks, easements and lot coverage still apply where no building permit is needed, and running electrical or plumbing to the shed triggers its own permit. A shed that will have electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation falls outside the usual small accessory building exemption, which generally covers simple unpowered structures only. Electrical and plumbing work each normally require their own permit and inspection even when the structure itself would have been exempt, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician or plumber to pull them. Zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage are reviewed separately from the building permit, so confirm placement with your local department before the shed is delivered or poured.
Documents you may need
- City of Aurora Accessory Structure permit application (through eTRAKiT)Sometimes required
- Plat of survey or site plan showing the structure location and setbacksSometimes required
- Aurora contractor registration if a contractor builds the structureSometimes required
- Site plan showing setbacks from property linesLikely required
- Structure dimensions and floor arearequired
Possible inspections
- Footing or setback inspection for a permitted accessory structure
- Final inspection scheduled through the eTRAKiT portal
- Final inspection (when a permit applies)
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Aurora?
- It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Aurora comes down to the details of your project. Aurora reviews sheds and other detached buildings through an Accessory Structure permit application. Small sheds under the city's size threshold may not need a building permit, while larger sheds and detached garages do, so confirm your square footage with the Division of Building and Permits before you build. Even an exempt shed must still meet Aurora zoning rules for setbacks, lot coverage and placement, and structures in a historic or Foxwalk district may need a Certificate of Appropriateness. A plat of survey or site plan is typically requested, and any permit is filed and tracked through the city's eTRAKiT online portal. Illinois has no single statewide shed threshold, so the 200 square foot figure quoted from the model International Residential Code does not govern here. Requirements are set by each municipality, and the ones we have checked are stricter than that figure: Wheaton does not require a building permit for a shed of 120 square feet or less, and Joliet requires a shed permit with a Residential Accessory Structures Review Form and a plat of survey showing the shed location. Assume the local number rather than a national one, and ask your building department for the threshold that applies at your address before you buy the shed. Zoning setbacks, easements and lot coverage still apply where no building permit is needed, and running electrical or plumbing to the shed triggers its own permit. A shed that will have electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation falls outside the usual small accessory building exemption, which generally covers simple unpowered structures only. Electrical and plumbing work each normally require their own permit and inspection even when the structure itself would have been exempt, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician or plumber to pull them. Zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage are reviewed separately from the building permit, so confirm placement with your local department before the shed is delivered or poured.
- Who issues the permit in Aurora?
- The local building department for Aurora 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.