Shed Permit in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a shed permit in Fort Wayne?

Both agencies use the same 200 square foot line. The Allen County Building Department's Residential Permit Guide, dated 03/04/2026, lists "Structures greater than 200 SF" under "PERMIT REQUIRED FOR" on the new structure branch of its flowchart, and its footnote warns "Additional permits must first be obtained from Department of Planning Services." On the zoning side, Fort Wayne Zoning Ordinance 157.503(B)(2) puts "Accessory building of 200 square feet or less" on the Improvement Location Permit exclusion table, and the DPS fee schedule prices that same item as "No Permit." So a 10 by 12 shed at 120 square feet needs nothing, a 12 by 20 shed at 240 square feet needs a DPS Improvement Location Permit at $120 and then an Allen County building permit at 3 cents per square foot with a $60 minimum. DPS also asks for a Detached Accessory Structure Letter of Commitment confirming there is a primary residence on the lot, since accessory structures are not permitted without one, and an Accessory Structure Supplemental Form if the lot is in an unplatted zoning area. Gross floor area of a detached accessory building such as a shed, garage, carport, pole barn or gazebo. Always confirm with the office before starting.

How much does a shed permit cost in Fort Wayne?

Two fees. Department of Planning Services Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, ILP: Improvement Location Permit - Residential: "Accessory Building of 200 square feet or less (example: shed) (* location & floodplain standards apply)" is marked "* No Permit"; "Accessory Structure of 200 square feet or less (example: carport, deck, gazebo, open porch)" $70; "Building or Structure of over 200 square feet" $120. Allen County Code 6-10-2-2-4: "Detached structures including but not limited to: garage, carport gazebo, pole barn, or storage shed - $0.03 per sq. ft. of gross floor area for each floor," Minimum $60.00. If the shed is wired, 6-10-2-3-7 adds a detached residential structure electrical permit at $0.03 per sq. ft., minimum $60.00. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

Where do you apply for a shed permit in Fort Wayne?

You can apply through the Fort Wayne permit portal or contact the Allen County Building Department (building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and roofing permits) working with the Department of Planning Services, the joint Allen County and City of Fort Wayne agency that issues zoning and land use permits directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull a shed permit themselves in Fort Wayne?

Under Indiana law (IC 36-7-8-3(a); IC 36-7-8-3(d); IC 25-28.5-1-11; IC 25-28.5-1-32(5)): Indiana is unusually permissive toward the homeowner doing the work. IC 36-7-8-3(d) provides that a county building standards ordinance adopted under that section does not apply to private homes that are built by individuals and used for their own occupancy, although the onsite sewage system still must comply with state law. That exemption is narrow: it reaches county ordinances for unincorporated areas under IC 36-7-8, not a city or town permit ordinance, so a homeowner inside municipal limits still answers to the local building department. On the trades, Indiana licenses plumbers at the state level but exempts the homeowner: IC 25-28.5-1-11 makes it unlawful to act as a plumbing contractor or journeyman plumber without a state license, while IC 25-28.5-1-32(5) excludes the owner occupant of a dwelling of eight or fewer residential units who is installing, altering, or repairing the plumbing system. Electricians are not licensed by the state at all: Indiana Code Title 25, which houses the professions and occupations licensing chapters, contains no electrician licensing chapter, and IC 36-7-8-3(a) instead lets a county adopt electrical standards by ordinance, so electrical licensing in Indiana is a local matter. Confirm how Fort Wayne applies this before you apply.