Shed permit in Allen, TX
It depends — some shed work in Allen needs a permit, some doesn't.
No permit if a one-story detached shed is 120 sq ft or less in floor area and 8 feet or less tall; a permit is required above that.
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 120 sq ft |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | IRC 105.2 item 4 (as amended) |
| Based on | IRC 2021 as amended (Allen Ord. 3919-6-22, Sec. 3.05) |
Most building codes exempt a shed up to 200 sq ft. Allen is stricter — the cutoff here is just 120 sq ft.
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Allen building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
Either of you can pull it. When a contractor does the work, it is normally their job.
If you skip it
Starting work without a required permit triggers a special investigation and an investigation fee equal to the permit fee (IRC 109.8, as amended).
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen | — | Depends | Over 120 sq ft |
| Plano | 6 mi | Depends | Over 120 sq ft |
| McKinney | 6 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Richardson | 10 mi | Depends | Over 40 sq ft |
| Lewisville | 18 mi | Depends | Over 200 |
| Mesquite | 25 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
Other work in Allen
Questions people ask
My shed is right at the limit. Does that count?
The exemption has to fit exactly — if the code says a size or height, being at or under it keeps you exempt, and going a single inch over doesn't. When you're close to the line, measure before you buy materials, and call the department if the number is borderline.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Allen can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.