Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Richardson?
It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Richardson 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. Richardson requires a building permit for all accessory structures over 40 square feet, so most storage sheds and detached buildings need a permit. Structures 150 square feet or less require an application with a sketch of the location, while structures over 150 square feet require scaled drawings with the application. Detached buildings must meet Richardson setbacks, a minimum 7 feet from the side property line unless the building sits entirely within the designated rear yard (the rear 25 feet of the lot); private deed or HOA restrictions are the homeowner's responsibility. 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
- Residential Building Permit Application for the accessory buildingLikely required
- Application with a sketch of the proposed location for structures 150 square feet or less, or scaled drawings for structures over 150 square feetLikely 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 when a slab or piers are required
- Framing inspection
- Final building inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Richardson?
- It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Richardson 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. Richardson requires a building permit for all accessory structures over 40 square feet, so most storage sheds and detached buildings need a permit. Structures 150 square feet or less require an application with a sketch of the location, while structures over 150 square feet require scaled drawings with the application. Detached buildings must meet Richardson setbacks, a minimum 7 feet from the side property line unless the building sits entirely within the designated rear yard (the rear 25 feet of the lot); private deed or HOA restrictions are the homeowner's responsibility. 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 Richardson?
- The local building department for Richardson 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.