Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Irving?
It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Irving 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. Irving does not require a building permit for an accessory building that is 6 feet or less in any dimension, but an accessory building larger than 6 feet in any dimension does require a building permit. Even an exempt shed must still meet the setback requirements of the Irving Unified Development Code and may not sit in an easement, so confirm placement with the Inspections Department at (972) 721-2371. A shed with electrical or plumbing generally needs the associated trade permit even when the structure itself is small. 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
- Permit application through the My Government Online (MGO) portal (for a structure larger than the exempt size)Sometimes required
- Site plan showing the structure size, location, and setbacksLikely required
- Separate electrical or plumbing permit if the structure has power or waterSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Foundation or setback inspection
- Final inspection
- Setback and foundation inspection (if permitted)
- Framing inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Irving?
- It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Irving 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. Irving does not require a building permit for an accessory building that is 6 feet or less in any dimension, but an accessory building larger than 6 feet in any dimension does require a building permit. Even an exempt shed must still meet the setback requirements of the Irving Unified Development Code and may not sit in an easement, so confirm placement with the Inspections Department at (972) 721-2371. A shed with electrical or plumbing generally needs the associated trade permit even when the structure itself is small. 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 Irving?
- The local building department for Irving 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.