Homeowners building a deck, fence or shed

What are you building, and how big?

Free check of whether your deck, fence or shed needs a permit under the model code limits, and what your town will ask for if it does.

Free to read
No sign-up until the draft
Hands off to the right door

ePlan fills in

Parcel lines
House footprint
Aerial photo
Flood zone

How it works

Deck, fence or shed permit check, from one answer

Tell us what you're building and where.
ePlan checks it against the model code limits and maps your lot.
Read the permit check free. Planning a backyard unit instead? Start an ADU permit packet.

What you get

Deck, fence or shed permit check and 2 more documents

The check is free. The paperwork after it is drafted at the ADU permit door.

The first draft

Deck, fence or shed permit check (free)

What you're building and where
Model-code permit exemptions that may apply
Your town's adopted code and local changes to check
Setbacks and height limits to confirm
What the permit counter will ask for
Next steps if a permit is needed

Modeled on: 2024 IRC R105.2 Work exempt from permit

Next · 2

Site plan with setbacks

Lot lines
House and new structure
Distances to lot lines
North arrow and scale

Next · 3

ADU permit packet

Project narrative
Zoning and setback check
Site plan notes
Utilities and parking

From public data

What ePlan fills in, and from where

Parcel linesRegrid nationwide parcel data (county assessor)
House footprintMicrosoft US Building Footprints
Aerial photoUSDA NAIP aerial imagery
Flood zoneFEMA National Flood Hazard Layer

200 sq ft

is the model-code limit for a deck or one-story shed built without a building permit (the deck also under 30 in. high and not attached)
Source: 2024 IRC R105.2

Ready for the paperwork?

Check your lot against California ADU law: size, setbacks, fees and the 60-day review clock. Get the permit narrative and checklist; bring your drawings.

ADU permit →

Questions

Deck, Fence or Shed Permit: what people ask

Do I need a permit for a deck?

Under the 2024 model residential code, no building permit is needed for a deck of 200 square feet or less that is no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the house and not serving the required exit door. Your town's adopted code and amendments decide.

Source: codes.iccsafe.org

Do I need a permit for a fence?

The model code exempts fences not over 7 feet high from a building permit. The exemption doesn't allow work that breaks other local laws, so your town's zoning height and setback rules still apply.

Source: codes.iccsafe.org

Do I need a permit for a shed?

Not under the model code if it is a one-story detached accessory building with 200 square feet of floor area or less, other than a storm shelter. Wiring or plumbing in it can need its own permit, and zoning setbacks still apply.

Source: codes.iccsafe.org