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PermitRoadmap

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

Permit required

Yes. In Texas, shed or accessory structure generally requires a permit, and Katy is no exception.

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. Katy's Permit and Building Services page states that permits are required for storage buildings, carports, garages and workshops. Katy Code Sec. 3.02.054(2) does not adopt three of the IRC section R105.2 permit exemptions (items 1, 5 and 10), so do not rely on the model code's small-structure exemption here. Katy's fee schedule (Appendix A, Sec. A4.001) charges $25 for a structure under 500 square feet without a concrete foundation, or $50 plus $0.08 per square foot with one, plus the $30 application fee. Under Katy Zoning Ordinance Sec. 17.1-3, a detached accessory building may be no taller than 24 feet or two stories, never higher than the main building, and may cover no more than 30 percent of the rear yard.

Get the answer for your exact project

Answer a few questions to see the permits, documents and inspections that may apply in Katy.

Check my project
Get the checklist for your shed or accessory structure in Katy. A free check first, then a free printable Permit Prep Pack.

Documents you may need

  • Permit applicationSometimes required
  • Site plan showing setbacksLikely required
  • Structural plans for larger structuresSometimes required
  • City of Katy Application for Building Permit (through the Civic Access Site or by email to katypermits@cityofkaty.com), checked Strg BldgLikely required
  • Site plan or survey showing the building's distance to property lines and easementsLikely required
  • Form survey by a Texas-licensed surveyor when a concrete slab is pouredSometimes required

Possible inspections

  • Foundation or setback inspection
  • Final inspection
  • Foundation inspection where a slab is poured

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Katy?
Yes. In Texas, shed or accessory structure generally requires a permit, and Katy is no exception. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
Who issues the permit in Katy?
The local building department for Katy 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.