What Size Shed Can I Build Without A Permit In Georgia

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The Georgia Hustle: Building a Shed Without Getting Tackled by the Permit Police

Ah, the backyard shed. A haven for lawnmowers past their prime, a storage unit for holiday decorations that haven't seen the light of day since the Clinton administration, and maybe even a secret writing nook to unleash your inner Hemingway (minus the questionable tan and questionable number of wives). But before you unleash your Bob Vila and Joanna Gaines fantasies, there's a hurdle to consider: the dreaded permit.

Fear not, fellow Georgians! There's a way to build your backyard nirvana without getting tangled up with red tape. Buckle up, because we're about to decode the fascinating world of shed regulations in the Peach State.

What Size Shed Can I Build Without A Permit In Georgia
What Size Shed Can I Build Without A Permit In Georgia

The Size Does Matter (But Not As Much As You Think)

Now, the million-dollar question (or should we say, the shed-sized question): how big can I build my shed without a permit? In most parts of Georgia, you can channel your inner architect without the hassle of permits if your shed meets these two criteria:

  • The Tiny Dancer Rule: Your shed must be a single story with a maximum height of 20 feet (that's about the height of a giraffe's neck, minus the goofy grin).
  • The 120-Square-Foot Shuffle: The total floor area of your shed can't be bigger than 120 square feet. Think of it as a spacious walk-in closet, but for all your yardy needs.

However, there's a but the size of Texas (well, maybe not that big). Local jurisdictions can have their own shed ordinances that might be stricter than the state guidelines.

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So, what's a shed-builder to do?

Don't Be a Permit-evader, Be a Permit-Investigator!

Before you grab your hammer and nails, here's some sage advice: contact your local building department. They'll be able to give you the lowdown on any specific shed regulations in your area. It's a quick phone call or visit to their website that can save you a whole lot of headache (and potential fines) down the road.

Bonus Tip: While you're at it, ask about any setback requirements. These are the minimum distances your shed needs to be from property lines, fences, and your neighbor's prize-winning rose bushes. Nobody wants a shed-induced feud to erupt on Maple Street.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Permit-Free Shed Edition

How to find out the size regulations in my area?

Contact your local building department. They're the ultimate authority on shed-related ordinances.

How tall can my shed be?

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In most cases, the maximum height is 20 feet. But always check with your local building department for specifics.

Can I add a loft to my shed?

Sorry, that beautiful tiny-house-in-the-backyard dream is on hold. If you have a loft, it technically becomes a two-story structure, which requires a permit.

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What if I want a shed bigger than 120 square feet?

You'll need to apply for a permit. But hey, on the bright side, you can then brag about your super-sized shed to all your neighbors (just maybe not the ones with the aforementioned prize-winning roses).

Do I need a permit for a shed I buy pre-built?

The size rules still apply, regardless of whether you build it yourself or buy it pre-made.

So there you have it, folks! With a little research and some friendly chats with your local building department, you can be well on your way to shed-building glory (and avoid any permit-related penalties). Now go forth and conquer your backyard storage woes!

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gaepd.orghttps://www.gaepd.org
bizjournals.comhttps://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta
georgia.govhttps://dph.georgia.gov
gsu.eduhttps://www.gsu.edu
maconchamber.comhttps://www.maconchamber.com

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