Shed Permit in Boston, MA
Permit Summary
Do You Need a Shed Permit?
Exemptions
Boston lists sheds among additions that need a Use of Premises Permit. Separately, 780 CMR 105.2 exempts a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar use from the state building-permit requirement when its floor area is not greater than 120 square feet; other required permits and approvals are not waived by that exemption.
Attached Shed Rules
The 780 CMR 105.2 shed exemption applies only to detached accessory structures. An attached shed therefore does not qualify for that exemption and is subject to the general building-permit requirement, in addition to Boston's zoning and Use of Premises review as applicable.
Shed Use Rules
The state building-permit exemption applies to one-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses. Boston's standard shed guidance addresses general storage sheds and prohibits plumbing, gas, and electrical systems in that standard shed configuration.
Zoning & Placement Rules
Zoning Rules
Boston requires a Use of Premises Permit for sheds and reviews construction projects for zoning compliance. The City's shed guidance notes that neighborhood rules differ. If a project does not conform to the Boston Zoning Code, ISD denies the permit application and the applicant may seek relief from the Zoning Board of Appeal.
Setback Rules
Boston's standard general-storage-shed guidance requires at least 4 feet from the side yard line. Other placement and setback requirements can vary by neighborhood zoning and site conditions.
Maximum Height Rules
For Boston's standard general-storage-shed parameters, the shed must be under 15 feet high and limited to one story. Other accessory-structure proposals may be subject to different zoning and building-code review.
Lot Coverage Rules
Boston's standard shed guidance limits a general storage shed to no more than 25% of the main building area. The guidance also states that neighborhood requirements differ, so other zoning coverage or dimensional limits may apply to a specific parcel.
Special Area Rules
Site-specific approvals may apply. Boston requires Parks and Recreation Commission approval before issuance of a building permit for construction or alteration within 100 feet of a protected park or parkway, and projects in historic districts may require Landmarks Commission approval. Long-Form projects in the Flood Hazard District are subject to Flood Hazard review and applicable flood-resilient construction requirements.
Permit & Review Path
Permit / Review Path
A shed requires Boston's Use of Premises filing. For a one-story detached tool or storage shed of 120 square feet or less, 780 CMR provides a building-permit exemption, but the Boston Use of Premises requirement remains. Sheds that do not qualify for the state exemption require the applicable Boston building-permit review in addition to zoning review. Zoning noncompliance can result in denial and an appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeal.
Trade Permits & Professional Design
Trade Permit Rules
Boston's standard general-storage-shed guidance prohibits plumbing, gas, and electrical systems. Separately, 780 CMR 105.2 states that exemption from the building permit does not eliminate permits that may be required under other laws or specialized codes. A proposal involving regulated trade work falls outside the standard no-utility shed parameters and may require separate trade permits or a different ISD review path.
Professional Design Rules
The dedicated Use of Premises process requires a certified plot plan. For Long-Form building-permit applications, Boston requires design plans stamped by a Massachusetts registered engineer or architect and a certified plot plan. Professional design requirements therefore depend on whether the shed also triggers that building-permit path and on the project's scope.
What You Need Before Applying
Requirements
File a Use of Premises Permit with Boston ISD and provide the required site information. Boston's standard general-storage-shed guidance is for sheds under 120 square feet, under 15 feet high and one story, at least 4 feet from the side yard line, no larger than 25% of the main building area, and without plumbing, gas, or electrical systems. Projects outside those parameters require ISD review for the applicable building and zoning path.
Required Documents
For a Use of Premises filing, Boston requires a certified plot plan showing how the land will be used; a diagram is also required for temporary structures and changes to land use or utilities. If a separate building permit is required, ISD may require stamped design plans and the other documents applicable to that permit path.