Residential Building Inspector B1General Administration, Legal, and EnforcementEasy
A homeowner is building a small detached shed (80 sq ft) in their backyard. The shed will not have any plumbing or electrical connections and meets all local setback requirements. According to the 2021 IRC, what permit requirement applies to this structure?
- AA building permit is required, including a final inspection.
- BA building permit is required, but no inspections are necessary.
- CA building permit is not required.
- DOnly a zoning permit is required, not a building permit.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A building permit is not required.
The 2021 IRC Section R105.2, Exception 1, states that one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2), are exempt from permits. Since this shed is 80 sq ft and has no utilities, it falls within this exemption.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. A permit is not required for this type of structure under the IRC's exemption rules.
- B. Incorrect. If a permit is not required, inspections are also not typically required by the building department.
- D. While local zoning may have requirements, the question specifically asks about the IRC's permit requirement, which exempts this structure.
IRC Permit Exemptions - Sheds
The 2021 IRC (Section R105.2, Exception 1) exempts one-story detached accessory structures like sheds from requiring a building permit, provided their floor area does not exceed 200 square feet and they do not contain plumbing or electrical facilities.
- Max 200 sq ft.
- One-story, detached.
- No plumbing or electrical.
Memory trick: Small shed, simple use, no wires or water, means NO permit.