Do you need a permit for a shed in Prince George's County, MD?
It depends on size and placement.
One shed under 150 sq ft needs no building permit, but only one exempt accessory structure is allowed per property.
Accessory structures in the RSF-65 and RSF-95 zones are capped at 15 ft tall.
Driveways and parking count toward the 35% lot-coverage cap in RSF-65.
Rules last checked by a person on October 20, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with Prince George's County 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 Prince George's County
| Permit | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Building permit | DPIE exempts only one one-story detached shed under 150 sq ft per property, not used for living space. |
| 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. |
| Electrical permit | Running power to the shed needs an electrical permit even when the shed itself is exempt.Confidence: medium |
RSF-65 Residential, Single-Family-65
| Height | 15 ft max for accessory structures |
|---|---|
| Lot coverage | 35% of net lot area, counting buildings and off-street parking |
| House setbacks | 25 ft front, 8 ft side, 20 ft rear |
RSF-95 Residential, Single-Family-95
| Height | 15 ft max for accessory structures |
|---|---|
| Lot coverage | 30% of net lot area |
| House setbacks | 25 ft front, 8 ft side, 20 ft rear |
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.
- Prince George's renamed its zones in 2022. If a plat or listing says R-55 or R-80, the lot is now RSF-65 or RSF-95.
How to apply
Questions people ask
- When does a shed need a building permit in Prince George's County?
- DPIE exempts only one one-story detached shed under 150 sq ft per property, not used for living space. A single one-story shed under 150 sq ft, not for living space, needs no permit in Prince George's County.
- How far from the property line can a shed go in Prince George's County?
- House setbacks: 25 ft front, 8 ft side, 20 ft rear. Setbacks vary by zoning district; check your exact lot for the district that applies.
- Where do I apply for a shed permit in Prince George's County?
- Apply through DPIE Momentum permitting portal, or call (301) 636-2050.
Sources
- Prince George's County DPIE, What work is exempt from obtaining a permit?. Checked 2026-10-20.
A one-story detached accessory structure on one- and two-family dwelling properties with less than 150 square feet of floor space not designed or intended for occupation or habitation and limited to 1 accessory structure only per property... A retaining wal…
- Prince George's County DPIE, I want to put up a shed. When is a permit required?. Checked 2026-10-20.
A permit is not required if your shed is less than 150 square feet.
- 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...
- 2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…