Do you need a permit for a shed in Denver, CO?
It depends on size and placement.
Denver measures the 200 sq ft limit by projected roof area, so the eaves count.
Building-permit exemption also caps walls at an 8 ft top plate and the shed at 14 ft overall.
A separate zoning permit applies unless the shed meets the Minor Detached Structure standards; Former Chapter 59 lots always need one.
Rules last checked by a person on October 19, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with Denver before you build.
Check your exact lot
Setbacks depend on your zoning district, and a flood zone can change the permit answer. Enter your address to see both.
Permits a shed can need in Denver
| Permit | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Building permit | Denver exempts only one-story, detached, unconditioned sheds up to 200 sq ft of projected roof area, 8 ft top plate and 14 ft overall height. |
| Zoning permit | A zoning permit is required unless the shed meets Denver's Minor Detached Structure standards (14 ft, 200 sq ft footprint, 10 ft behind the front of the house). Former Chapter 59 lots always need one. |
| Electrical permit | Power needs an electrical permit. An exempt shed is limited to two lights and two receptacles. |
| Plumbing permit | Adding water to a shed needs a plumbing permit (usually a quick permit online). |
| Floodplain development permit | If the lot is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, communities in the flood insurance program must permit all development there, sheds included. |
Urban (U-) single unit, two unit and row house
| Height, no zoning permit (Minor Detached, Option B) | 14 ft, 1 story |
|---|---|
| Footprint, no zoning permit | 200 sq ft |
| Location | At least 10 ft behind 75% of the front facade |
| Side interior setback | 0 ft if entirely in the rear 35% of the lot, otherwise 5 ft |
| Rear setback | 5 ft (0 ft where an alley abuts the rear line) |
| Side street setback | 5 ft |
| Bigger than that (General Detached, zoning permit) | 1 story, 17 ft, bulk plane 10 ft at 45° |
All rules for Urban (U-) single unit, two unit and row house
Urban Edge (E-) single unit, two unit and row house
| Height, no zoning permit (Minor Detached, Option B) | 14 ft, 1 story |
|---|---|
| Footprint, no zoning permit | 200 sq ftMinor Detached standards read the same across the S-, E- and U- contexts; confirmed in Article 5.Confidence: medium |
| Side interior setback | 0 ft if entirely in the rear 35% of the lot, otherwise 5 ft |
| Rear setback | 5 ft (0 ft where an alley abuts the rear line and doors don't face it) |
| Bigger than that (General Detached, zoning permit) | 1 story, 17 ft, bulk plane 10 ft at 45° |
All rules for Urban Edge (E-) single unit, two unit and row house
Suburban (S-) single unit
| Height, no zoning permit (Minor Detached, Option B) | 14 ft, 1 storyMinor Detached standards read the same across the S-, E- and U- contexts; confirmed in Article 5.Confidence: medium |
|---|---|
| Side interior setback (General Detached) | 0 ft if entirely in the rear 35% of the lot, otherwise 5 ft (3 ft on lots 30 ft wide or less) |
| Rear setback (General Detached) | 5 ft (0 ft on an alley when doors don't face it) |
| Height with a zoning permit (General Detached) | 1 story, 17 ft, bulk plane 10 ft at 45° |
Local details
- Call 811 at least a few days before you dig footings or post holes. Utility locating is free.
- HOA covenants and deed restrictions can be stricter than city rules. Check yours before you build.
How to apply
- Denver e-permits (Accela)
- Single-family and duplex projects
- Denver zoning map
- Denver Zoning Code
- Phone: 311 (720-913-1311)
Questions people ask
- When does a shed need a building permit in Denver?
- Denver exempts only one-story, detached, unconditioned sheds up to 200 sq ft of projected roof area, 8 ft top plate and 14 ft overall height. One-story detached sheds within 200 sq ft of projected roof area, an 8 ft top plate and 14 ft overall height don't need a building permit.
- Do I also need a zoning permit for a shed in Denver?
- A zoning permit is required unless the shed meets Denver's Minor Detached Structure standards (14 ft, 200 sq ft footprint, 10 ft behind the front of the house). Former Chapter 59 lots always need one.
- How far from the property line can a shed go in Denver?
- Side interior setback: 0 ft if entirely in the rear 35% of the lot, otherwise 5 ft. Setbacks vary by zoning district; check your exact lot for the district that applies.
- Where do I apply for a shed permit in Denver?
- Apply through Denver e-permits (Accela), or call 311 (720-913-1311).
Sources
- Denver CPD, Residential Sheds. Checked 2026-10-19.
You do not need a building permit for one-story, detached, non-conditioned accessory buildings... no more than 200 square feet of projected roof area, 8-ft top plate height, or 14-ft maximum height to any point.
- Denver Zoning Code Article 5 (Urban context), Div. 5.3 building forms. Checked 2026-10-19.
General Detached Structure: 1 story, 17 ft... Side Interior (min), for structure entirely in rear 35% of zone lot 0'... not entirely in rear 35% 5'... Rear, no alley 5'.
- 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
- 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...