Create a Site Plan for Shed and Outbuilding Permits

Draw to Scale, Label Setbacks, and Export a Permit-Ready PDF. Our easy-to-use online tool helps you create a professional shed site plan showing setbacks and placement on your property.

Draw to Scale, Label Setbacks, and Export a Permit-Ready PDF

Our easy-to-use online tool helps you create a professional shed site plan showing setbacks and placement on your property.

How to Create a Shed Site Plan

  • Enter your address

    Start by entering the property address. We automatically load aerial imagery and property boundary data from county records.

  • Draw your shed

    Place your proposed shed on the property using our drawing tools and add dimensions.

  • Add setback measurements

    Label distances from property lines, existing structures, and easements required by your permit office.

  • Export your site plan

    Download a scaled, permit-ready PDF with north arrow, legend, and title block.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a shed site plan?
A shed site plan is a scaled overhead drawing of your property that shows where your proposed shed or outbuilding will be located. It includes your property boundaries, existing structures, the proposed shed location with dimensions, and setback distances from property lines.
When do I need a permit for a shed or outbuilding?
Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction, but most cities require permits for sheds over 100-200 square feet, structures with permanent foundations or concrete slabs, buildings with electrical or plumbing connections, and any structure used for habitation or business purposes.
What information should be on a shed site plan?
A complete shed site plan should include your property boundaries with lot dimensions, the proposed shed location and footprint dimensions, setback distances from all property lines, locations of existing structures, any easements or utility corridors, a north arrow, and a scale indicator.
How long does it take to create a shed site plan?
With Site Plan Creator, you can create a professional shed site plan in about 15-30 minutes.
Can I create my own shed site plan or do I need a professional?
For most residential shed projects, you can create your own site plan using Site Plan Creator.
What happens if my shed permit is rejected?
The building department will provide feedback on what needs to be corrected. With Site Plan Creator, you can easily revise your site plan and download an updated PDF at no additional cost.
How much does Site Plan Creator cost?
Site Plan Creator offers affordable pricing for creating permit-ready site plans. View pricing details.
What are common shed setback requirements?
Every property has different setback rules based on its zoning district. Our tool instantly shows you the side and rear setback distances for your specific property. Common ranges are 3-10 feet from rear property lines and 3-5 feet from side property lines.

Adding a shed, detached garage, or other outbuilding to your property seems straightforward — until you discover that most municipalities treat these structures as permanent improvements subject to the same zoning and building code review as your home. Whether you're planning a modest garden shed or a full workshop with electrical service, a site plan is typically required to demonstrate that the structure fits within your lot's legal constraints. If you're new to the permit process, understanding what a site plan is and what it must show is the essential first step before you measure a single setback line.

Permit Requirements for Sheds and Accessory Structures

Most jurisdictions set a square footage threshold above which a permit is required — commonly 120 to 200 square feet, though some municipalities require permits for any permanent structure regardless of size. Even structures below the threshold may still be subject to zoning rules governing placement and height. Your site plan will typically need to show:

  • Exact dimensions of the proposed structure and its footprint
  • Distances from all property lines (setbacks), which for accessory structures are often 3–5 feet from rear and side yards
  • Distance from the primary dwelling and any other existing structures
  • Total lot coverage calculation — the percentage of your lot covered by all impervious structures combined
  • Easements, utility lines, or drainage swales that may restrict placement

Lot coverage limits are one of the most commonly overlooked constraints. Many residential zones cap total lot coverage at 30–40%, meaning a new outbuilding could push you over the limit even if the structure itself seems small. The International Residential Code (IRC) provides baseline standards, but local amendments frequently impose stricter rules, so always verify with your local building or planning department.

Common Mistakes and Pro Tips for Outbuilding Permits

One of the most frequent errors homeowners make is measuring setbacks from the fence line rather than the actual property line — these are often not the same. Always pull your recorded plat or survey before placing a structure. Similarly, many people don't account for roof overhangs: in most jurisdictions, setbacks are measured to the outermost edge of the eave, not the wall.

  • Check whether your HOA has separate restrictions beyond municipal zoning — they often do
  • If your lot is in a flood zone, FEMA elevation requirements may apply even to storage sheds — review FEMA's flood map resources before finalizing placement
  • Adding electrical, plumbing, or HVAC to an outbuilding almost always triggers a full building permit regardless of size
  • Corner lots typically have two front-yard setbacks, significantly limiting where an accessory structure can be placed

If you're also planning a driveway or hardscape to access the new structure, review the requirements covered in driveway construction site plans, as impervious surface from paving counts toward your lot coverage total and may require its own permit review.