It is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure their project meets Homeowners Association and Restrictive or Protective Covenants requirements, as these regulations can be stricter than city ordinances. The term “shed” includes any one-story detached residential accessory building or structure used as garage, tool shed, workshop, playhouse, or other similar use.
Detached garages and other accessory buildings 1020 square feet and larger are required to have frost footings and inspections as listed for garages.
Please contact the Building Department at 515-309-9461 for more information about accessory building ordinances.
Permit
Permit fees are based on the valuation per square foot of shed. All sheds, regardless of foundation style and/or portability require a building permit, unless one of the following applies:
- 40 sq.ft. or less and portable
- must conform to setback requirements.
- Ground mounted play structure shorter than 10 with a foot print less than 400 sq.ft.
- must conform to setback requirements.
- A treehouse – a structure elevated in and supported by a tree.
Permits should be accompanied by a sketch showing the proposed location of the shed; distances from lot lines, primary structure and deck; existing sheds and/or detached garages; shed dimensions; and easements.