Permit Threshold Screener
Most yard projects sit on one side of a line: under a certain size a shed is usually exempt, above a certain height a deck usually needs a permit. Enter your own dimensions to see which side of the line you are on, what conditions can move you across it, and the questions to confirm with your local building department.
What else applies to your project?
Enter your floor area of the shed above to see whether it usually falls inside an exemption.
Screening covered: Shed, Fence, Deck & patio, Pool, ADU. Other project types are covered in the yard rules guides, and 3 further project types are handled by the yard rules checker.
How each project is measured
| Project | Measured by | Typical exemption | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shed | Floor area of the shed (sq ft) | About 120–200 sq ft | Rules → |
| Fence | Fence height (feet) | About 6 feet | Rules → |
| Deck & patio | Height of the walking surface above grade (inches) | About 30 inches | Rules → |
| Pool | Maximum water depth (inches) | No common exemption | Rules → |
| ADU | Proposed unit floor area (sq ft) | No common exemption | Rules → |
For the full list of typical standards and local verification steps, see the yard rules hub or build a printable checklist with the yard rules checker.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the screener say "usually" instead of "yes" or "no"?
Exemption thresholds are set by each city, town and county, so a single number would be a guess. The screener compares your dimensions with thresholds common across many jurisdictions, flags when you are on the boundary where jurisdictions disagree, and gives you the exact question to ask locally.
My project is under the threshold. Do I still need to check anything?
Almost always yes. Exemptions usually remove the building permit but not the siting rules, so setbacks, height, lot coverage and easements still apply. Adding a permanent foundation or utilities is the most common way to lose an exemption.
Which projects does the screener cover?
Storage sheds, fences, decks and patios, swimming pools and spas, and accessory dwelling units. Each uses a different test: sheds by floor area, fences by height and yard type, decks by walking-surface height above grade, and pools by barrier requirements.
Does my homeowners association matter here?
Yes. Association covenants are a separate approval from the municipal permit, and the stricter of the two governs. A city exemption does not override an association rule.
ZoneFig provides general reference information, not legal advice. Yard and zoning rules are adopted locally, so the only binding answer for your address comes from your city, town or county planning and building department. Typical thresholds shown here describe patterns across many jurisdictions and are not the rule at any specific property.