If you’re thinking about adding a shed to your property in Montgomery County, PA, you might be wondering how to go about getting the necessary permits. Whether you’re purchasing a shed from Country Tyme Sheds in Colmar or building one yourself, it’s important to follow the county’s zoning and building regulations to avoid fines, delays, or complications down the road.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining a shed permit in Montgomery County, covering everything from zoning requirements to application steps, fees, and inspections. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to ensure your shed is fully compliant with local laws.

Why Do You Need a Shed Permit in Montgomery County?

Shed permits are essential for maintaining community standards, protecting safety, and ensuring that any structure you build is properly regulated. In Montgomery County, as with most municipalities in Pennsylvania, the main reasons you need a permit for a shed include:

Safety and Structural Integrity: The county wants to ensure that all accessory structures, including sheds, are built safely, with a solid foundation and proper materials.
Zoning Compliance: Zoning ordinances govern where structures can be placed, how large they can be, and their proximity to property lines, roads, and other buildings.
Aesthetic and Property Value Considerations: Sheds that are too large, poorly placed, or improperly constructed can negatively affect neighborhood aesthetics and property values.

Failing to obtain a permit can result in fines, penalties, or even the requirement to remove or modify the shed.

Do You Need a Permit for Every Shed?

In Montgomery County, not every shed requires a permit, but it largely depends on its size and intended use. Here are some general guidelines to help determine if you need a permit:

Sheds under 200 square feet: These typically do not require a building permit but may still require zoning approval, particularly if they are located close to property lines or other structures.
Sheds larger than 200 square feet: These will almost always require a building permit in Montgomery County, as larger structures have more impact on zoning, safety, and building standards.
Sheds with utilities: If your shed will have electricity, plumbing, or HVAC systems, a permit is required, regardless of the shed’s size. These utilities need to be installed by licensed professionals and inspected by the appropriate authorities.

Always check with your local township or borough within Montgomery County, as individual municipalities may have slightly different regulations.

How to Apply for a Shed Permit in Montgomery County

Montgomery County does not issue building permits directly; instead, permits are handled by the individual townships, boroughs, or municipalities within the county. For Country Tyme Sheds customers in Colmar, you’ll need to contact the township office where your property is located. Colmar spans Hatfield Township and Montgomery Township, so depending on your exact location, you’ll work with one of those offices.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a shed permit:

1. Check Local Zoning Requirements

The first step is to check with your local township or borough office about the zoning requirements for your area. Zoning ordinances regulate where on your property you can place the shed, how far it must be from property lines (setbacks), and the maximum allowable size.

For example:

Hatfield Township: You can contact the Hatfield Township Zoning Department for information on setback rules and zoning restrictions.
Montgomery Township: Montgomery Township will have its own zoning regulations that might differ slightly from Hatfield’s.

Most townships in Montgomery County require a minimum setback distance of 10-15 feet from property lines, but this can vary based on the size of the shed and the location of utilities or other structures.

2. Complete a Building Permit Application

Once you’ve confirmed the zoning requirements, you’ll need to fill out a building permit application. This application will typically ask for detailed information about your shed, including its dimensions, location, and the materials you’ll be using.

You’ll also need to include:

A site plan: This is a drawing that shows your property and where the shed will be placed, including the distance from property lines and other structures.
Building plans: For larger sheds, you may need to submit architectural plans that detail the construction, including the foundation, framing, and roof.

3. Pay the Permit Fee

Building permit fees vary by municipality in Montgomery County, but they typically range from $50 to $300 depending on the size and complexity of the project. For smaller sheds, the fee will generally be on the lower end, while larger structures or sheds with utilities will require a higher fee.

You can usually pay the fee when you submit the permit application at your township office.

4. Wait for Permit Approval

Once you’ve submitted your application, the township’s building department will review your plans to ensure they comply with zoning, building codes, and safety regulations. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of your project and how busy the department is.

If your application meets all the requirements, you’ll receive your permit, and you can begin construction.

5. Schedule Inspections

After your shed is built, you may need to schedule an inspection with the township to ensure that the shed has been constructed according to the approved plans and complies with building codes. If your shed includes electrical or plumbing work, additional inspections may be required.

Once your shed passes the final inspection, you’ll receive a certificate of occupancy, which means the shed is officially approved for use.

Common Zoning and Building Requirements for Sheds in Montgomery County

Here are some zoning and building code requirements that are common across most townships in Montgomery County:

Setbacks: Sheds typically need to be set back a certain distance from property lines, roads, and other structures. Most townships require a setback of 10-15 feet from property lines, but this can vary, so be sure to check with your specific township.
Height Restrictions: Many municipalities limit the height of sheds to a maximum of 12-15 feet.
Lot Coverage: Some townships have rules regarding how much of your property can be covered by structures, including your house, shed, and other buildings. This is often capped at 20-30% of your total lot size.

Why Work with a Professional Shed Builder?

Navigating the permit process can be complicated, especially if you’re unfamiliar with zoning ordinances and building codes. This is where working with a professional shed builder, like Country Tyme Sheds in Colmar, can make a big difference. We have years of experience working with homeowners throughout Montgomery County, and we can help guide you through the process, from choosing the right shed design to ensuring that your shed complies with all local regulations.

Final Thoughts

Adding a shed to your property in Montgomery County is a great way to increase storage or create a functional workspace, but it’s important to follow the correct steps when it comes to permits and zoning regulations. By checking your local zoning ordinances, completing the necessary paperwork, and following the permit process outlined by your township, you can ensure your shed is safe, legal, and a valuable addition to your property.

If you’re looking to add a shed to your home, contact Country Tyme Sheds today. We’re happy to help you find the perfect shed and guide you through the permitting process.