Do You Need a Permit for a Pergola, Gazebo or Deck?

The answer is property-specific: ask the authority having jurisdiction whether the pergola, gazebo or deck requires a permit. The applicable rule may depend on the structure’s classification, location, dimensions, height, attachment, foundation, electrical or plumbing work, and local amendments. Whether an open pergola or gazebo falls within a particular exemption is UNKNOWN until the relevant authority classifies the project. When wind design enters that review, Western Timber Frame engineers to a 115 mph standard and higher where the site requires it. For a pergola on its own posts, see our freestanding pergola permit guide.

What do the verified state-by-state permit rules say?

State	Jurisdiction	Verified permit rule
Alabama	Baldwin County	“Permits shall not be required for decks not exceeding 400 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling or townhouse and do not serve the exit door required by Section R318.4.” (https://baldwincountyal.gov/departments/building-inspection/permit-information, checked 2026-08-05.)
Alaska	City and Borough of Juneau	“If your structure has no covering or railing, is less than 200 square feet, less than 30 inches off the ground, and not attached to the house, it does not need a building permit.” (https://juneau.org/community-development/project-decks, checked 2026-08-05.)
Arizona	Scottsdale	“For residential non-livable detached accessory structures (i.e. tool/storage sheds, pergolas), if the size of the structure is less than 200 sq. ft. then you do not need a permit — but you MUST meet the required setbacks and obtain plan approval from the Planning Services staff at the One Stop Shop.” (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/codes-and-ordinances/sheds-garages-pergolas, checked 2026-08-05.)
Arkansas	City of Fayetteville	“Any structure over 80 square feet requires a building permit” (https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39309/SDP—Checklist—Porch-Patio-Cover-and-Pergola, checked 2026-08-05.)
California	Berkeley	“One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet.” (https://berkeleyca.gov/construction-development/permits-design-parameters/permit-types/work-exempt-building-permits, checked 2026-08-04.)
Colorado	City of Boulder	“Detached sheds, pergolas and other structures smaller than 80 square feet, shorter than 10 feet in height, with no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical equipment do not require a building permit but are required to meet all applicable code requirements, including meeting accessory building setbacks.” (https://bouldercolorado.gov/residential-accessory-structure-guide, checked 2026-08-05.)
Connecticut	Bridgeport	“One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet (18.58 m2).” (https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/building-department/work-exempt-building-permits, checked 2026-08-04.)
Delaware	Sussex County	“Must be requested for projects only requiring a final inspection such as but not limited to fences, sheds under 400 sq. ft., pools, solar panels, decks under 30″ and farm buildings.” (https://sussexcountyde.gov/inspections-and-scheduling, checked 2026-08-05.)
Florida	Ocala	“All accessory structures must include either a product approval, notice of acceptance, or engineered plans” (https://www.ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-a-h/growth-management/building, checked 2026-08-05.) This source does not state a size exemption or threshold.
Georgia	City of Savannah	“A building permit is not required for storage sheds that are one story in height and less than 120 square feet (s.f.).” (https://www.savannahga.gov/1609/Storage-Shed-Permit-Information, checked 2026-08-05.)
Hawaii	Maui County	“A building permit is required for the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, and use of any building or structure within the county.” (https://www.mauicounty.gov/1208/Building-Permit, checked 2026-08-05.)
Idaho	City of Boise	“Stand-alone structures that exceed 200 square feet in area require a building permit.” (https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/planning-and-development-services/building/homeowners-guide/, checked 2026-08-05.)
Illinois	Wheaton	“A building permit is not required for sheds 120 sq. ft. or less in area.” (https://www.wheaton.il.us/870/Sheds, checked 2026-08-05.)
Indiana	City of Lafayette	“A building permit is not required for structures less than 120 square feet (SF).” (https://www.lafayette.in.gov/DocumentCenter/View/216/Storage-Shed-Sample-Site-Plan-PDF, checked 2026-08-05.)
Iowa	Johnson County	“A permit is not required to construct a detached building that is 200 square feet or less. This permit exemption is only applicable to a one-story accessory structure used as a tool shed, storage shed, playhouse or similar use.” (https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/pds/building-permits-faq, checked 2026-08-04.)
Kansas	Douglas County	“All One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the projected roof and/or floor area does not exceed 200 square feet do not require a building permit.” (https://www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes/faq/do-i-need-building-permit-my-accessory-building, checked 2026-08-05.)
Kentucky	City of Paducah	“Residential accessory structures exceeding 200 sq.ft. in area require permits for installation.” (https://paducahky.gov/departments/fire-department/permits-construction, checked 2026-08-05.)
Louisiana	Lafayette Consolidated Government	“There are exemptions for permitting certain structures associated with a home, such as: a playhouse or shed which is detached from a house that is no larger than 200 square feet and that is on a movable foundation (piers or skids).” (https://www.lafayettela.gov/business-development/building-and-renovating/building-codes/, checked 2026-08-05.)
Maine	Falmouth	“One-story free-standing ancillary residential structure, such as a shed and children’s play structures, provided that such structures do not exceed 100 square feet in area and 10 feet in height.” (https://www.falmouthme.org/Faq.aspx?QID=69, checked 2026-08-05.)
Maryland	Anne Arundel County	“Gazebos that do not exceed 10 feet in height and have a floor area of 150 square feet or less do not require a building permit.” (https://www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/permits/do-i-need-permit, checked 2026-08-05.)
Massachusetts	Plymouth	“Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 square meters) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, that are not attached to a dwelling and that do not serve the exit door required by subsection R311.4.” (https://www.plymouth-ma.gov/m/faq?cat=27, checked 2026-08-05.)
Michigan	City of Muskegon	“Sheds and garages less than 200 square feet require a development permit. Sheds and garages 200 square feet or larger require a building permit.” (https://muskegon-mi.gov/city-services/development-services/planning/zoning/sheds-garages/, checked 2026-08-05.)
Minnesota	Maplewood	“Gazebos and pergolas which are larger than 200 square feet require a building permit.” (https://maplewoodmn.gov/280/Gazebo-or-Pergola, checked 2026-08-05.)
Mississippi	City of Vicksburg	“A building permit is required for any storage building over 120 square feet.” (https://www.vicksburg.org/buildinginspec/page/storage-shed-permits, checked 2026-08-05.)
Missouri	Kansas City	“For detached accessories structures greater than 200 square feet in size, a building permit must be obtained.” (https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/development-concierge/code-questions, checked 2026-08-05.)
Montana	City of Missoula	“A Building Permit is required for sheds greater than 200 square feet in floor area or 12′-0″ in height.” (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3107/Sheds-Other-Accessory-Structures, checked 2026-08-05.)
Nebraska	City of Bellevue	“One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.” (https://www.bellevue.net/332/Building-Permits, checked 2026-08-05.)
Nevada	Washoe County	“Decks not exceeding 200 sqft, not more than 30 inches in height, and not serving the required building exit door.” (https://www.washoecounty.gov/building/getting_started/what_requires_a_permit.php, checked 2026-08-05.)
New Hampshire	Dover	“A permit is not required to install a shed that is less than 200 square feet.” (https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/planning/inspection-services/frequently-asked-questions/, checked 2026-08-04.)
New Jersey	Stafford Township	“In accordance to the rule adoption and amendments to the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, a construction permit is not required for the installation of a shed that is 200 square feet or less in area.” (https://www.staffordnj.gov/160/Sheds, checked 2026-08-05.)
New Mexico	City of Roswell	“Residential accessory structures, including storage sheds of less than 200 square feet, require a placement permit (no fee) and structures of more than 200 square feet require a building permit (fee based on project cost).” (https://roswell-nm.gov/Blog.asp?IID=95&ARC=288, checked 2026-08-05.)
New York	City of Ithaca	“Construction or installation of one-story detached structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet (13.38 square meters), and where no plumbing, electrical or heating equipment service or system is provided, and that the structure complies with the area and setback requirements of Chapter ¬ß325-25” (https://www.cityofithacany.gov/137/Permit-Information, checked 2026-08-05.)
North Carolina	City of Mebane	“Sheds and other accessory structures such as detached garages that exceed 144 square feet require a building permit and a zoning permit.” (https://cityofmebanenc.gov/question/what-size-building-can-be-constructed-without-a-permit/, checked 2026-08-05.)
North Dakota	West Fargo	“Building Permits are required for all accessory use structures over 120 square feet in area.” (https://www.westfargond.gov/DocumentCenter/View/158/Accessory-Structure—Guidelines-PDF, checked 2026-08-05.)
Ohio	City of Cincinnati	“Storage sheds not greater than 100 square feet in area that are no higher than eight (8) feet in average height and located in a rear yard in accordance with the Cincinnati Zoning Code.” (https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/building-permit-forms-applications/permit-guide/do-i-need-a-permit/, checked 2026-08-05.)
Oklahoma	Stillwater	“If the deck is less than 200 square feet and not more than 30 inches above grade at any point and does not have a cover over it such as a pergola or enclosed roof, then no permit is required.” (https://stillwaterok.gov/faq.aspx?TID=33, checked 2026-08-05.)
Oregon	Gresham	“Non-habitable one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) and a wall height of 10 feet (3048 mm) measured from the finished floor level to the top of the top plate.” (https://www.greshamoregon.gov/projects-that-do-not-require-permits/, checked 2026-08-04.) “Building, demolishing or moving a carport, garage, or shed more than 200 square feet in area.” (https://www.greshamoregon.gov/services/building-permits-and-inspections/residential-building-projects/, checked 2026-08-04.)
Pennsylvania	North Fayette Township	“Detached Accessory Structures such as sheds, garages, greenhouses, and gazebos (less than 1,000 square feet).” (https://www.northfayettepa.gov/434/Residential-Building-Permits, checked 2026-08-05.)
Rhode Island	Middletown	“Greater than 64 sqft: Building Permit Required provided with site plan which shows the location, size and setback of all structures on the lot.” (https://www.middletownri.gov/518/Shed-Permits, checked 2026-08-05.)
South Carolina	Aiken County	“If the structure is over 200 square feet, then a building permit is required. If the structure is under 200 square feet, no permit is required.” (https://www.aikencountysc.gov/Faq.aspx?TID=24, checked 2026-08-04.)
South Carolina	Goose Creek	“If the accessory structure is not more than 200 square feet in size, permits or inspections are not required.” (https://www.goosecreeksc.gov/sites/default/files/Building%20Docs/RESIDENTIAL%20ACCESSORY%20STRUCTURES%20POLICY.pdf, checked 2026-08-05.)
South Dakota	City of Hot Springs	“Replacing rotten deck boards or members, or decks not exceeding 200 square feet and does not have a roof system connected to it, or unenclosed decks less than 30 inches above grade at any point having without an attached roof.” (https://hotspringssd.gov/departments/building_development/building_permits.php, checked 2026-08-05.)
Tennessee	Nashville	“Construct a new accessory structure or addition thereto (accessory structures include garages, carports, patio covers, decks, porches and storage buildings including portable storage buildings of 100 square feet or more.)” (https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/construction-and-permits/residential-building-permits, checked 2026-08-04.)
Texas	Aurora	“Residential accessory structures, including non-habitable storage sheds, carports, garages, workshops, gazebos, cabanas, and similar non-habitable structures, greater than 120 square feet require a permit.” (https://www.auroratexas.gov/departments/permits/development-permits-inspections-and-licenses/building-and-construction-permits/accessory-structures/, checked 2026-08-04.)
Texas	Austin	“A one-story detached accessory structure that is no more than 200 square feet (18.58 m2) of floor area, no more than 15 feet (4,572 mm) in height, does not create a dwelling, contains no plumbing, and is not located within a flood hazard area.” (https://www.austintexas.gov/development-services/work-exempt-building-permits, checked 2026-08-04.) “A deck that is no more than 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, is no more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling or townhouse, does not provide egress from the dwelling, and is not located within a flood hazard area.” (https://www.austintexas.gov/development-services/work-exempt-building-permits, checked 2026-08-04.)
Texas	Little Elm	“All patio covers, arbors and pergolas greater than 200 square feet require a permit.” (https://www.littleelm.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19763/PC-Arbor-Pergolas-Regs-3-18-2024, checked 2026-08-04.)
Utah	Beaver County	“Adding electrical in any accessory structure including those structures not exceeding 200 feet squared.” (https://www.beaver.utah.gov/204/Building-Permit-Requirements, checked 2026-08-05.)
Washington	Grant County model-code reproduction	“Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58m2).” (https://www.grantcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5840/Exempt-R1052, checked 2026-08-05.) “Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m²) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 MM) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.” (https://www.grantcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5840/Exempt-R1052, checked 2026-08-05.) “Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.” (https://www.grantcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5840/Exempt-R1052, checked 2026-08-05.)
Utah	Utah statute	Utah adopts “the 2021 edition of the International Residential Code, issued by the International Code Council” (https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title15A/Chapter2/15A-2-S103.html, checked 2026-08-05.) “Decks that are not more than 30 inches (762mm) above grade at any point and not requiring guardrails, that do not serve exit door required by Section R311.4” (https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title15A/Chapter3/15A-3-S202.html, checked 2026-08-05.)
Vermont	Town of Williston	“Shed or accessory structure larger than 120 SF or 10-ft tall” (https://www.town.williston.vt.us/index.asp?Type=B_LIST&SEC=%7B8F55E823-D669-4659-8F4F-72212E8107F7%7D, checked 2026-08-05.)
Virginia	City of Virginia Beach	“Detached structures (gazebos, sheds greater than 256 square feet, storage buildings, trellises, etc.),” (https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building/residential-building-permits, checked 2026-08-05.)
Washington	Bellevue	“A permit is not required for a detached storage shed, play house or a private gazebo with a floor area of 200 square feet or less.” (https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/development/permits/faqs/work-requiring-permits, checked 2026-08-04.) “A permit with plan review is required for a new carport and for converting an existing carport or garage into a living area.” (https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/development/permits/faqs/work-requiring-permits, checked 2026-08-04.)
West Virginia	Parkersburg	“One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.” (https://parkersburgwv.gov/departments/building___code_enforcement/work_exempt_from_permitting.php, checked 2026-08-04.)
Wisconsin	City of Kenosha	“A permit is NOT required for single-story accessory structures, such as storage sheds, playhouses, and gazebos, having a floor area of one hundred twenty square feet (120 sf) or less in residentially zoned areas.” (https://www.kenosha.org/Document%20Center/Departments/City%20Inspection/Building%20Inspection/Permits%20and%20Applications/Permit%20Forms/ACCS-Fillable.pdf, checked 2026-08-05.)
Wyoming	Town of Jackson	“Decks over 200 square feet in area or more than 30 inches above grade at any point or that are attached to a dwelling” (https://www.jacksonwy.gov/196/Residential-Permit-Application, checked 2026-08-05.)

The table includes structure-specific rules, broader accessory-structure rules, deck rules, trade-permit requirements and permit-submittal conditions. A cited rule applies only within the named jurisdiction and only under its stated conditions; whether it applies to a different project or structure is UNKNOWN until that authority confirms it.

Which structure-specific permit pages should you read?

These pages provide structure-specific permit rules, conditions and cautions related to the state-by-state table above.

What are the rules in Utah?

Utah adopts “the 2021 edition of the International Residential Code, issued by the International Code Council” (https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title15A/Chapter2/15A-2-S103.html, checked 2026-08-05). Utah’s current statewide amendment to the deck exemption is quoted above and contains no square-foot cap (https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title15A/Chapter3/15A-3-S202.html, checked 2026-08-05). Whether a local amendment or other approval requirement applies to a particular Utah project is UNKNOWN until the authority having jurisdiction confirms it.

This page is the permit hub for this topic: complete outdoor-structure permit guide.

What are the frequently asked questions?

Do you need a permit for an outdoor structure?The authority having jurisdiction for the property decides whether a permit is required. Austin, TX publishes: “A one-story detached accessory structure that is no more than 200 square feet (18.58 m2) of floor area, no more than 15 feet (4,572 mm) in height, does not create a dwelling, contains no plumbing, and is not located within a flood hazard area.” (https://www.austintexas.gov/development-services/work-exempt-building-permits, checked 2026-08-04.) Whether that rule reaches your project is UNKNOWN until your department classifies it.

What size outdoor structure can I build without a permit?The applicable threshold is UNKNOWN until the local authority identifies the rule for the property. Bridgeport, CT publishes: “One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet (18.58 m²).” (https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/building-department/work-exempt-building-permits, checked 2026-08-04.) Check the figure and conditions your city or county publishes.

Does a permit exemption cover zoning and electrical?Not necessarily. Grant County, Washington reproduces the R105.2 rule: “Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.” (https://www.grantcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5840/Exempt-R1052, checked 2026-08-05.) Whether zoning, setbacks, HOA rules or electrical permits apply is UNKNOWN until the relevant authorities confirm.

Do you handle the permitting for us?We help you through it. We do not file the permit application or pay the permit fee. Western Timber Frame walks homeowners through it while the owner or contractor files. Who is allowed to file depends on your city. Most places let the property owner, a licensed contractor, or an authorized agent apply. Here is what we do: We design your structure to the setback, height and code rules we can confirm for your address. A setback is how far a structure has to sit from your property line. When your project scope includes them, we prepare stamped structural drawings for your site. Stamped means a licensed engineer has signed them. They are drawn for your project, not copied from a generic plan. We prepare the structure documents your building department asks us for. We tell you what to submit, and in what order, so you are not guessing. If the building department sends back comments about our structure, we answer them and revise the drawings. You or your contractor file the application and pay the city’s fee. Some things stay on your side because only you can supply them. Those can include a property survey, a plot plan, HOA approval, contractor registration, and scheduling inspections. Your city decides which of these it wants. A lot of builders will not talk about permits at all. We would rather tell you plainly what is required, what we handle, and what is yours to do, before you buy instead of after.

Ready to talk through your project?

Whether you want to permit, hold off for now, or you’re still deciding, we’ll walk you through what’s typical for your city and design a structure that’s built — and documented — to the same standard either way. Start with a free design consultation.

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