Shed
Overview | 1. Define | 2. Consult | 3. Apply | 4. Review | 5. Inspect
Consult
Reviewers provide virtual and in-person consultations for residents who want help with general questions about their project. Even though you can’t submit your permit application to a reviewer, having a consultation saves time and helps make the permitting process easier. Schedule your appointment online or call 512-978-4504 for assistance.
If you need more help, you can schedule a paid consultation, called a Preliminary Plan Review, to discuss project-specific questions with a reviewer. Find costs for paid consultations on the DSD Fees page.
After your consultation, feel free to return to the next section for further assistance on preparing your application.
How Can I Prepare for My Consultation?
We suggest preparing some information about your property and project ahead of time to share with the reviewer during your consultation. This information allows the reviewer to tell you what permits you’ll need to finish your project. Follow these steps to make the most of your consultation.
1. Be prepared to answer these questions about your project:
- What’s the address where the shed will be built?
- What will you use this shed for?
- Decide whether your shed will:
- be over 1 story,
- be over 200 square feet,
- be built in a floodplain,
- have plumbing,
- have a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning unit (HVAC),
- have electricity.
The project scoping worksheet (PDF) can help you collect this information. You can also bring the worksheet to your consultation to help save time.
2. If possible, bring your property survey
Your property survey, also called a cadastral survey, isn’t required during the consultation, but will show the reviewer whether or not you can move forward with your project as planned. Property surveys give reviewers insight into details like setbacks, easements, and impervious cover.
What if I don’t have my survey?
You probably received your survey when you purchased your home if you bought it after 1980. If you can’t find it, or you don’t remember getting it, check with your:
- home lender or title company from your original purchase,
- neighbors to find out where they got theirs,
- or, a surveyor to get a new survey.
You can find a surveyor through the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
3. Draw a few simple sketches of your shed and property.
Sketches give reviewers a clear picture of your project and help them determine if you can continue with your project as planned. Please bring two simple sketches of the floor plan and plot plan to your consultation. These sketches don’t have to perfect drawings, but they should give the reviewer enough information so they can see the following:
Where will the shed be on your property?
Sketch the layout of your property and show any existing structures including your home, pool, deck, driveway, etc. If possible, include estimated square footage or dimensions of the items on your property.
What will your shed look like?
Sketch the shed you will build and include its dimensions and any windows or doors it will have.
