Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Garland?
It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Garland comes down to the details of your project.
Many Texas cities exempt small accessory buildings. Dallas, for example, exempts a utility building under 200 square feet with no electrical, plumbing, or gas on single-family or duplex premises, but running utilities to a shed or exceeding the size threshold triggers a permit. Zoning setbacks and easement restrictions still apply even when a building permit is not required, so verify placement with your local building department. Garland requires a building permit for any accessory building larger than 20 square feet, so most storage sheds, detached garages and gazebos need a permit. Garland restricts accessory buildings on materials and setbacks: buildings over 200 square feet may not use a metal exterior, buildings over 144 square feet must sit at least 6 feet from the house, and corner-lot and side-yard setbacks apply. The City enforces its ordinances, but the homeowner is responsible for knowing and following any private deed or HOA restrictions, so confirm those separately. 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
- Permit applicationSometimes required
- Site plan showing setbacksLikely required
- Structural plans for larger structuresSometimes required
- Accessory/Storage Building permit application at the Garland Development and Permitting CenterLikely required
- Site plan or survey showing the structure size, location and distances to property linesLikely required
- Separate electrical or plumbing permit if the building has power, water or gasSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Foundation or setback inspection
- Final inspection
- Foundation inspection (100) when a slab or piers are required
- Frame inspection (101)
- Building final inspection (108)
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Garland?
- It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Garland comes down to the details of your project. Many Texas cities exempt small accessory buildings. Dallas, for example, exempts a utility building under 200 square feet with no electrical, plumbing, or gas on single-family or duplex premises, but running utilities to a shed or exceeding the size threshold triggers a permit. Zoning setbacks and easement restrictions still apply even when a building permit is not required, so verify placement with your local building department. Garland requires a building permit for any accessory building larger than 20 square feet, so most storage sheds, detached garages and gazebos need a permit. Garland restricts accessory buildings on materials and setbacks: buildings over 200 square feet may not use a metal exterior, buildings over 144 square feet must sit at least 6 feet from the house, and corner-lot and side-yard setbacks apply. The City enforces its ordinances, but the homeowner is responsible for knowing and following any private deed or HOA restrictions, so confirm those separately. 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 Garland?
- The local building department for Garland 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.