Shed Permits in Minnesota: A Complete Guide

Before adding a shed to your Minnesota property, you’ll need to check whether a permit is required. The shed’s size and intended use affect the requirements, while your city, township, or county determines which local approvals you need.

This guide covers common questions about shed permits in Minnesota, along with county resources and requirements in several major cities. Start here, then check with your local building and zoning departments to confirm what applies to your property.

What Is A Shed Permit?

A shed permit is an approval from your local government to build or place a shed on your property. A building permit covers construction requirements, while a zoning permit or certificate addresses how the shed will fit on your lot. Depending on your project, you may need one, both, or neither.

Even when a building permit is not required, your shed still needs to comply with applicable rules on placement, height, and use. Checking those details first will make it easier to choose a building that works for your property.

Do I Need A Permit For A Shed In Minnesota?

Under Minnesota’s building permit rules, a one-story, detached tool or storage shed with a floor area of 200 square feet or less is exempt from a building permit. A shed larger than 200 square feet generally needs one where building permits are administered.

That exemption does not remove local zoning requirements. Your city, township, or county may still require a zoning permit, placement approval, or another land use permit. For example, a 10×16 storage shed is below the state building permit threshold, but its location still needs to meet local rules.

Do I Need a Shed Permit in Major Cities in Minnesota?

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Minneapolis, MN?

Minneapolis lists one-story tool and storage sheds smaller than 200 square feet among projects that may not require a building permit. Zoning requirements still apply. If your shed is exactly 200 square feet, confirm the exemption with the city: its permit exemption page says less than 200 square feet, while the state rule includes 200 square feet.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Saint Paul, MN?

Saint Paul requires a building permit for detached sheds larger than 200 square feet. Smaller sheds must still follow zoning rules for setbacks and lot coverage. If your property is in a Heritage Preservation District or Site, approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission is required for the shed regardless of size. See the city’s permit requirements before planning your project.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Rochester, MN?

Rochester requires a building permit for sheds larger than 200 square feet. Its building and renovation guide states that sheds smaller than 200 square feet do not need a building permit but do need a zoning certificate.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Duluth, MN?

A one-story, detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less is exempt from a building permit in Duluth. The exemption does not waive building code or zoning requirements, and other permits may still apply. Review the city’s permit guidance and check your proposed location with Planning and Development.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Bloomington, MN?

Bloomington exempts qualifying one-story, detached tool and storage sheds with floor areas of 200 square feet or less from a building permit. Larger sheds need a building permit, and zoning requirements apply regardless of size. The city’s building FAQs also list moving permit requirements for structures brought into or moved within Bloomington, so ask how those apply to a delivered shed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Brooklyn Park, MN?

Brooklyn Park requires a permit for an accessory structure with a floor area over 200 square feet or one attached to a structure with frost footings. Its accessory structure page includes the plans needed for review and location requirements. Residential accessory structures cannot be placed between the house and street or on or over an easement.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Woodbury, MN?

Woodbury requires permits for accessory buildings larger than 200 square feet. Smaller buildings must still meet applicable building codes and city ordinances. Review the city’s accessory building requirements for application documents, and confirm the requirements with Building Inspections if your shed measures exactly 200 square feet.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Blaine, MN?

Blaine requires a zoning permit for accessory buildings larger than 120 square feet or buildings with a poured slab or footings. Its listed zoning permit fee is $75. Sheds of 120 square feet or less without a permanent slab or footings do not require that permit, but zoning rules still apply. For buildings over 200 square feet, follow the city’s residential garage permitting guidance linked from its shed information page.

Shed Permit Regulations In Minnesota By County

The table below links to official building, zoning, and local government resources for counties throughout Minnesota. Some counties handle permits directly, while others direct you to a city or township. Use the resource for your area to find the office responsible for your property.

How Do I Get A Shed Permit In Minnesota?

Begin by contacting the office that handles building and zoning approvals for your address. Depending on where you live, that may be your city, township, or county. Once you know which approvals are needed, complete the application and submit the requested site plan and building information. Many departments accept applications online. The office will review your documents, request any changes, and explain the fees. Wait until the required permits have been issued before starting construction or placing your shed.

What Factors May Determine If I Need A Shed Permit In Minnesota?

Size and Height

Floor area and the number of stories affect whether your shed qualifies for the state’s building permit exemption. A 10×20 shed has 200 square feet of floor area, while a 12×20 shed has 240 square feet. The larger option falls outside that exemption.

Local zoning rules also limit building height and how much of your lot can be covered by structures. Before settling on a style, confirm the dimensions your property allows. Our 3D builder lets you explore sizes and layouts once you know those requirements.

Location of Shed

Your shed’s location matters even if it does not need a building permit. Local rules establish setbacks from property lines, streets, and other buildings. Easements can also limit where a shed may be placed.

For example, Brooklyn Park lists interior property line setbacks of 5 or 7.5 feet, depending on the zoning district. Properties near Minnesota lakes, rivers, and floodplains may have additional land use restrictions. Check the rules for your lot before preparing a shed pad.

Construction Plans

If your shed requires a permit, expect to provide information about its size, construction, and proposed location. A site plan typically shows property lines, existing buildings, easements, and the distances between your shed and those features. Construction drawings may also need to show the foundation, framing, and roof.

Brooklyn Park’s accessory structure guide explains that plans do not have to be professionally drawn, but they must be clear, drawn to scale, and detailed enough for review. Ask your local department for its submittal checklist before applying.

Have questions about a building you are considering? Contact us to discuss its dimensions and available options.

Intended Use

A shed used for tools and seasonal storage is different from a building intended for sleeping or full-time living. Converting a storage shed into a dwelling changes the requirements it must meet and may not be allowed on every property.

If you are planning a guest space, backyard office, or living area, explain that use to the local building and zoning departments before ordering. They can tell you which approvals and construction standards apply.

Plumbing and Electrical

Adding lights or outlets requires an electrical permit even when your storage shed does not require a building permit, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Required inspections are part of that electrical work.

Plumbing and installed heating equipment can also require permits. Tell the permitting office about planned utilities at the start so the review covers the work you intend to do.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for a Shed That Meets Local Permit Requirements?

Once you know the size, height, and placement requirements for your Minnesota property, choosing your shed becomes much easier. Start with the space you need for tools, equipment, or hobbies, then compare options that fit your lot.

At Quality Storage Buildings, you can explore our shed sizes and choose from styles such as Ranch, Quaker, Studio, and High Barn. Use our 3D builder to work through your layout, colors, doors, and windows. Your local permitting office can confirm whether the proposed building meets the requirements for your address.

Ready to make room for the things that matter? Browse our inventory or contact us to talk through your shed options.