Shed permit in Denton, TX
It depends — some shed work in Denton needs a permit, some doesn't.
A one-story detached storage or tool shed does not need a building permit if its floor area is 200 square feet or smaller and it is not a storm shelter. A shed larger than 200 square feet needs a permit.
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 200 sq ft |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | R105.2 Work exempt from permit (Building), item 1 |
| Based on | 2021 IRC as amended by the City of Denton (Sec. 28-34) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Denton 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.
If you skip it
If you start work that needs a permit before you get it, you must still pay the required permit fees set by the City's fee schedule (R108.6).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denton | — | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Lewisville | 15 mi | Depends | Over 200 |
| Plano | 26 mi | Depends | Over 120 sq ft |
| McKinney | 28 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Allen | 28 mi | Depends | Over 120 sq ft |
| Richardson | 30 mi | Depends | Over 40 sq ft |
Other work in Denton
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?
Denton 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.