Shed

Apply

Residential permit applications, revisions, and updates can now be submitted with the Residential Intake Request Form. The form provides step-by-step guidance and links to download any required forms, and you will be able to upload completed forms and other documents directly in the form.

What Happens in Residential Plan Review?

Once you apply, a staff member will use a checklist called a Gold Sheet to perform a completeness check. Your application will be moved into the Review process. Reviewers will either approve your application or send you any required changes in the form of comments. This process typically takes about 15 business days.

What Documents Will I Need to Submit?

All shed permit applications require:

1. Application

The Residential New Construction and Addition Permit Application ^(PDF)is the application you need to fill out for a shed. This application can be filled out by either you or your architect, engineer, expeditor, or another licensed professional.

2. Plot Plan

The plot plan must be drawn to scale by hand or on a computer. It can be prepared by you or a licensed professional. Use graph paper if you’re drawing your plot plan by hand to make it easier to draw to scale. If applicable, include any power lines that run above your property.

TIP: You can draw your shed to scale on a copy of your survey. It’s easier and helpful for reviewers.

View a sample plot plan ^(PDF).

3. Floor Plan

The shed’s floor plan must be drawn to scale either by hand or on a computer and can be prepared by you or a hired professional. If possible, use graph paper to make drawing to scale easy for you. We highly suggest you draw your floor plan on 3 pages for clarity. If the reviewers can’t understand your drawings, your project will be rejected.

Use a separate page for each of the following items:
•   existing walls and features to be demolished,
•   existing walls and features that will remain,
•   and your proposed floor plan.

View a sample floor plan ^(PDF).

4. Elevation Plan

Your shed’s elevation plan must be drawn to scale either by hand or by using a CAD program and can be prepared by you or a hired professional. Again, use graph paper if you’re hand drawing the elevation plan. See examples.

View a sample elevation plan ^(PDF).

5. Foundation Plan or Structural Verification Report

The foundation plan can only be drawn by a structural engineer. A foundation plan is required for all custom-built sheds. A foundation plan is also required for any foundations that require digging into the ground (excavating) or building a level surface (grading), such as a pier and beam foundation or a slab foundation. You will need a foundation plan if you put a prefabricated shed on a slab foundation.

For prefabricated sheds that require a building permit, a copy of the plans from the manufacturer along with a Structural Verification Report ^(PDF)from a licensed engineer or architect may be submitted instead of a foundation plan.

6. BSPA Form

When applying for a shed building permit, a signed Building Service Planning Application (BSPA) ^(PDF)form from Austin Energy is required to confirm your shed isn’t too close to any power lines.