What do I need to know before installing a shed/utility storage?
- Residential properties
- The utility shed or storage structure will be a single story, non-habitable detached building that is
accessory to the single-family residence, townhouse or duplex.
- The utility shed or storage structure will not be used as a living quarters or for other habitable
purposes; must be for storage only.
- Only one utility shed or storage structure on the property, not exceeding a maximum of
400 square feet.
- Commercial properties
- Minimum required floor elevation at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and four inches above the highest crown of road, whichever is highest. Proposed elevations must be shown on plans
- An Elevation Certificate will be required prior to final building inspection
What do I need to obtain a shed/utility storage permit?See below required items for new and/or replacement of shed/utility storage. All applicable items are required. Incomplete and illegible application and documents will not be accepted. Note there is an additional form required for
Owner-Builder permits.
1. A completed
Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Category 02 (residential) or category 01 (commercial)
- Total square footage of the shed/utility storage being installed
- A completed Contact Sheet
2. Submit the detail drawings of the shed/utility storage being installed:
- Pre-Manufactured Sheds
The current Notice of Acceptance (NOA) of shed/utility storage used. You may search the Product Approval database for approval numbers, products, certificates and listings that have been approved for use on buildings in both Miami-Dade County and throughout the country. Florida Building Commission product approvals are acceptable.
Additionally, if manufacturer building includes electrical, the supplied drawings should show where the electrical devices are located (switches, lights and receptacles).
- Site Built Sheds
Provide your own custom details drawing(s) of the shed/utility storage design. Drawing(s) must be signed and sealed by a design professional (architect or engineer) and include foundation, wall and roof structural components, connections and finishes; doors and windows information; electrical and plumbing system, if applicable; and calculations.
Important Note: If the shed/utility storage will not have electricity or any plumbing work, indicate “No Electrical or Plumbing work at this moment” on your drawings. If the shed/utility storage will have electricity or plumbing work, you must indicate where the electrical/plumbing devices are located.
If connecting electricity, the following information must be provided on the site plan:
- Conduit size and type
- Number of wires and insulation
- Number of circuits in panel
- Riser diagram and floor plan to show all equipment and devices to be installed
3. Current land survey or site plan providing the following information:
- Location of the shed/utility storage
- Size of the shed/utility storage
- All setbacks or distance from property line to the shed/utility storage (north, south, east and west)
- The distance from the main residence or other structures to the shed/utility storage
- Location of the water and sewer lines or septic tank and well
- Location of Electric Service (overhead or underground)
4. Provide the environmental documents/flood requirements (if applicable):
- If the property is not in a flood zone, there are no flood requirements.
- If the property is within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), choose one of the following:
- Floor elevations at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) must be shown on the drawings. An Elevation Certificate will be required prior to the final building inspection.
- In lieu of Elevation Certificate, the applicant may choose to provide the Flood Opening Form for pre-manufactured or wood frame sheds. The size of the shed as well as the amount, location, and size of the openings must be indicated on the form. The form must be signed and dated by the owner of the property. To use this form, check the following:
- Sheds using flood opening must have a minimum of two (2) openings and at least two (2) different walls totaling not less than one (1) square inch of openings per square foot of shed/utility storage area
- Minimum allowed opening dimension is three inches (3”), but no larger than 13”
- The bottom of the openings must not be higher than one foot (1’) above the grade elevation
- Care must be used when cutting the openings onto the side walls to ensure that structural components of the shed/utility storage are not damaged
- Flood openings into a vinyl/PVC shed/utility storage must be center on the panel, the edge of the opening cannot be closer than five inches (5”) to the wall panel edges (cut edges of panels must be sealed against water intrusion)
- Flood openings into a steel shed/utility storage must be center on the panel, the edge of the opening cannot be closer than five inches (5”) to the wall panel edges
- Flood openings into a wood frame shed/utility storage must provide a 2x2 frame around the opening.
- A compliance inspection is required by a DERM Floodplain Inspector prior to final building inspection, in lieu of an elevation certificate.
5. For residential properties, provide the
Attestation for Utility Shed and Storage Structure signed and notarized by the property owner.
6. You may submit the
Affidavit to Allow Reduced Setbacks for Shed and Pergola to place the shed/utility storage within two feet of an interior and/or rear property line, for a shed/utility storage that is 100 square feet or less in size and no more than 10 feet in height.
This affidavit requires a notarized signature from the abutting neighbors to the interior sides and rear.
