Shed Permits in Oregon: A Comprehensive Guide

Building a shed may seem like an easy project, pick a location, choose your shed size, and start building. But in Oregon, as in many states, there are legal requirements that can complicate the process. These requirements are typically outlined in building permits, zoning ordinances, and usage regulations. And while the idea of permits might sound intimidating or bureaucratic, understanding the basics can prevent costly mistakes down the road.

This guide aims to simplify the permit process in Oregon so you can move forward with your shed project confidently. If you’ve ever wondered when a permit is necessary, how to apply for one, or what rules might restrict where or how you build, you’re in the right place. Although building codes and permit laws vary from city to city, we’ll break down what generally applies across the state and highlight resources to help you check the exact rules in your area.

What Is a Shed Permit and Why Does It Matter

A shed permit is a legal document that grants you permission to build or place a shed on your property. It’s issued by your local building or planning department and is meant to ensure that your structure meets all safety and zoning requirements established by your city or county. Permits exist to help municipalities enforce codes that maintain structural integrity, environmental safety, and neighborhood consistency.

In Oregon, the need for a shed permit typically depends on the size of the structure, its height, and what you plan to do with it once it’s built. Permits are not just about whether or not you’re building a structure; they’re about how it’s built, where it’s located, and what it’s used for. Even if your shed is on the smaller side, you could still be required to comply with rules about setbacks, utility easements, or historical preservation districts.

Do You Always Need a Permit to Build a Shed in Oregon?

In Oregon, sheds under 200 sq. ft. and under 10 ft. in wall height usually don’t need a state building permit, but local rules can be stricter. Some cities require permits for any shed, especially if it’s in a dense neighborhood or connected to utilities. Even without a building permit, zoning laws still apply, covering setbacks, placement, and restrictions in certain areas. Always check with your local planning department to confirm specific requirements.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Baker County, Oregon?

Yes, in Baker County, Oregon, you’ll need a building permit for any shed that is larger than 200 square feet or exceeds 10 feet in height. Be sure to check with the local building department to ensure your shed meets all zoning and code requirements before starting construction.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Benton County, Oregon?

Yes, in Benton County, Oregon, a building permit is required for a shed if it is larger than 200 square feet or exceeds 10 feet in height (measured from the finished floor to the average roof height). Even if your shed is smaller, a permit may still be necessary if it includes electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems. To ensure compliance, it’s best to consult Benton County Community Development for the specific requirements related to your shed project.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Clackamas County, Oregon?

Yes, in Clackamas County, Oregon, a building permit is required for sheds that exceed 200 square feet or 10 feet in height. If your shed is smaller and under the height limit, it may not need a building permit, but you could still be required to obtain a zoning permit. Always check with the Clackamas County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm what applies to your specific project.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Clatsop County, Oregon?

Yes, in Clatsop County, Oregon, a permit is required for sheds larger than 200 square feet or those that include electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems. However, if your shed is non-habitable, detached, one-story, and under 200 square feet, it may be exempt from permitting. It’s always best to verify with Clatsop County’s building department to ensure your project complies with local regulations.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Columbia County, Oregon?

Yes, in Columbia County, Oregon, a building permit is generally required for new structures or modifications. However, single-story residential accessory buildings, like tool or storage sheds, that are less than 200 square feet in area are typically exempt from permit requirements. It’s still a good idea to check with the county to ensure your project complies with local zoning and setback regulations.

Shed Permits By City in Oregon

Most cities across the state require a building permit if your shed is larger than 200 square feet, taller than 10 feet, or includes utilities like plumbing and electricity. While smaller sheds may sometimes be exempt, local zoning and setback regulations can still apply. Because each city has its own guidelines, it’s best to confirm with the local planning or building department before starting your project. To make it easier, here’s a breakdown of shed permit requirements by city across Oregon.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Beaver City, OR?

Yes, you’ll need a building permit in Beaverton, Oregon, if your shed is over 200 square feet. State rules require permits for any new detached, one-story structure that’s not used for living and is larger than 200 square feet. Beaverton may also have extra rules, like how far your shed must be from property lines.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Eugene City, OR?

In Eugene, Oregon, you’ll need a permit if your shed is bigger than 200 square feet, has plumbing, electricity, or heating, or is meant to be lived in. Smaller sheds under 200 square feet, with no utilities and not used as a living space, usually don’t need a permit.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Gresham City, OR?

Yes, you’ll need a shed permit in Gresham, Oregon, if your shed is over 200 square feet or more than 10 feet tall. Smaller sheds may not need one, but rules may vary. It’s a good idea to check with the City of Gresham to be sure, based on your shed’s size and where you’re putting it.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Hillsboro City, OR?

Yes, in Hillsboro, Oregon, you’ll probably need a permit if your shed is bigger than 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet. Even if it’s smaller, it’s still smart to check with the City of Hillsboro, especially if you plan to add electricity, plumbing, or need to know where it can be placed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Salem City, OR?

Yes, you’ll likely need a permit for a shed in Salem, Oregon. If the shed is over 200 square feet, state rules require one. You’ll also need a permit, no matter the size, if you’re adding electricity, plumbing, or heating.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Bend City, OR?

Yes, in Bend, Oregon, you’ll usually need a permit if your shed is over 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet. If it’s smaller, one-story, not lived in, and separate from other buildings, you probably don’t need one.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Medford City, OR?

Yes, in Medford, Oregon, you’ll likely need a permit if your shed is bigger than 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet. Smaller sheds without utilities and within the height limit may not need one.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Springfield City, OR?

Yes, in Springfield, Oregon, you’ll need a building permit for most sheds, no matter the size. The city follows local rules based on the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, which requires permits for many types of accessory structures.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Corvallis City, OR?

Yes, in Corvallis, Oregon, you’ll likely need a permit if your shed is bigger than 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet. If you plan to add electricity or plumbing, or if the shed is in a special location, a permit may also be required.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Albany City, OR?

Yes, you’ll probably need a shed permit in Albany, Oregon. Any separate structure over 200 square feet must have a building permit. Albany may also have local rules about how close the shed can be to property lines and how much space it can cover in your yard.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Tigard City, OR?

Yes, in Tigard, Oregon, you usually don’t need a permit if your shed is 120 square feet or smaller and only one story. But if it’s bigger than that, a permit will likely be required.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Lake Oswego City, OR?

Yes, in Lake Oswego, Oregon, you’ll probably need a building permit for a shed. Most new structures and many remodels need permits, especially if they affect safety. The city lists storage sheds and similar buildings as projects that may require one.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Keizer City, OR?

Yes, in Keizer, Oregon, you’ll need a building permit if your shed is larger than 200 square feet. If it’s smaller, one-story, not lived in, and separate from other buildings, a permit usually isn’t needed. Still, it’s best to check with the City of Keizer to make sure you’re following local rules.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in West Linn City, OR?

Yes, in West Linn, Oregon, you’ll usually need a permit if your shed is over 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet. Smaller sheds might not need a permit, but they still have to follow local rules about placement. If you add electricity or plumbing, a permit is likely required too.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Oregon City, OR?

Yes, in Oregon City, Oregon, you’ll need a permit if your shed is larger than 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet. You’ll also need a permit if you plan to add electricity or plumbing.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in McMinnville City, OR?

Yes, in McMinnville, Oregon, you’ll need a building permit if your shed is over 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet, based on the city’s rules.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Redmond City, OR?

Yes, in Redmond, Oregon, you usually don’t need a permit if your shed is one story, not attached to your home, used only for storage, 200 square feet or smaller, and no taller than 10 feet. If it’s bigger or used for something else, a permit may be needed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Grant Pass City, OR?

Yes, in Grants Pass, Oregon, you’ll need a permit if your shed is over 200 square feet or has electrical or plumbing. If it’s smaller and doesn’t include any utilities, you probably won’t need one.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Wilsonville City, OR?

No, in Wilsonville, Oregon, you don’t need a permit if your shed is one story, not lived in, no bigger than 200 square feet, and no taller than 10 feet. But if it’s larger, includes plumbing or electricity, or is meant for living, a permit is likely needed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Newberg City, OR?

Yes, in Newberg, Oregon, you’ll usually need a permit if your shed is over 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet. Smaller sheds might not need one, but if you add plumbing, electricity, or place it in a certain spot, a permit may still be required.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Hermiston City, OR?

Yes, in Hermiston, Oregon, you’ll need a permit if your shed is larger than 200 square feet or taller than 15 feet. Even if a permit isn’t needed, you still have to follow local rules about where the shed can be placed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Pendleton City, OR?

Yes, in Pendleton, Oregon, you’ll need a permit if your shed is bigger than 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet. Rules can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with the City of Pendleton to be sure, especially if your shed includes plumbing, electricity, or has a specific location.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in La Grande City, OR?

Yes, in La Grande, Oregon, you may need a permit depending on your shed’s size and features. Sheds smaller than 200 square feet and under 10 feet tall usually don’t need one. But if it’s larger or has plumbing, electricity, or gas, a permit is likely required.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Ontario City, OR?

Yes, in Ontario, Oregon, you’ll usually need a permit if your shed is larger than 120 square feet. Since rules can vary, it’s best to check with the City of Ontario for details like setback rules and zoning requirements.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Roseburg City, OR?

Yes, in Roseburg, Oregon, you’ll likely need a permit if your shed is larger than 200 square feet or has electrical or plumbing. Smaller, detached sheds for personal use may not need one.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Ashland City, OR?

Yes, in Ashland, Oregon, a shed may not need a permit if it’s smaller than 200 square feet and under 10 feet tall. But it’s still a good idea to check with the Ashland Planning Department, since things like how close it is to your property lines or local zoning rules could affect whether a permit is needed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Eagle Point City, OR?

Yes, in Eagle Point, Oregon, you’ll usually need a permit if your shed is larger than 200 square feet. If it’s 200 square feet or smaller, one story, detached, and not used for living, a permit might not be required.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Molalla City, OR?

Yes, in Molalla, Oregon, you’ll likely need a permit if your shed is over 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet. Since local rules can vary, it’s a good idea to check with the City of Molalla to get the exact details for your project.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Monmouth City, OR?

Yes, in Monmouth, Oregon, you’ll usually need a permit if your shed is bigger than 200 square feet. If it’s smaller, one-story, detached, and not used for living, you might not need one.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Cottage Grove City, OR?

Yes, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, a shed usually needs a permit if it’s over 200 square feet. If it’s taller than 14 feet or has more than 600 square feet of space, you’ll need a special permit. Sheds larger than 400 square feet or more than one story must also follow local design rules.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Portland City, OR?

Yes, in Portland, Oregon, you will need a building permit for a shed if it’s larger than 200 square feet or taller than 10 feet, measured from the finished floor to the average roof height. Even if your shed is smaller than these limits, a zoning permit may still be required to ensure compliance with local regulations. For properties 2 acres or larger, you may build an accessory structure up to 400 square feet without a building permit, provided it’s at least 20 feet from all property lines and other buildings. If your shed includes electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems, separate permits will also be necessary. Always check with the City of Portland to confirm your specific permit requirements.

Understanding Local Shed Permit Variations in Oregon

Oregon’s shed permit rules vary widely by location. Urban areas like Portland often have stricter zoning codes, aesthetic requirements, and setback rules, while rural counties such as Grant or Harney may be more flexible but still enforce utility safety and land-use regulations. Some areas also limit the number of accessory structures per property, so adding a shed could be restricted if you already have others. Because requirements differ even within the same county, check with your local planning office before building to avoid fines or having to remove the structure later.

Planning Your Shed’s Location, Size, and Use

Permit requirements for sheds aren’t based on size alone; placement, proximity to property lines, and intended use also play major roles. Most areas enforce setbacks to maintain safety, utility access, and privacy, with additional rules for corner lots or highly visible locations. A simple storage shed is usually classified as non-habitable, but if it’s intended as a living space or includes utilities like electricity, plumbing, or heat, it may be treated as a dwelling, requiring multiple permits, detailed plans, and inspections. Always confirm local requirements before starting to avoid costly changes later.

How to Apply for a Shed Permit in Oregon

In Oregon, shed permits are obtained through your local city or county building department, often via online applications, though some require in-person visits. You’ll typically need a site plan showing the shed’s location, dimensions, and foundation type, plus utility details if applicable. Larger or habitable sheds may require full construction drawings. After submission, applications are reviewed, and approval can take days or weeks, depending on complexity and workload. Once approved, the permit must be displayed during construction, and inspections may be required. If denied, you can revise plans to meet code, sometimes with help from a contractor.

Storage Sheds for Sale in Oregon

Yes, understanding Oregon’s shed permit rules is the first step toward a hassle-free backyard upgrade. While navigating zoning laws, size limits, and city-specific requirements might feel overwhelming, the time spent planning upfront will save you from delays, fines, or even tear-down orders later on. Whether your goal is a simple storage space or a fully equipped backyard workshop, the key is knowing the rules before you build.

Once you’ve confirmed what’s required in your area, the next step is choosing a quality shed that fits your needs and complies with local codes. At Countryside Sheds, we offer a wide range of durable, customizable storage sheds designed with both functionality and compliance in mind. From compact garden sheds to larger utility buildings, our structures are built to last, and backed by expertise you can trust. Explore our options today and get one step closer to making your shed project a reality.