Shed Permit in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a shed permit in Ann Arbor?

Every detached shed in Ann Arbor needs a permit, whatever its size. What changes at 200 square feet is which permit: a shed of 200 square feet or less needs a zoning compliance permit from Planning Services and no building permit, and a larger shed needs a full building permit. Accessory buildings may not exceed 21 feet in height measured to the midpoint of a pitched roof, must sit more than 3 feet from any lot line, cannot occupy the required front open space, and together with other structures may take up no more than 35 percent of the required rear open space. Sheds may not be used as sleeping rooms or dwelling units and may not have both bathroom and kitchen utilities. Always confirm with the City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services (Construction and Building), with zoning review by Planning and Development Services before starting.

How much does a shed permit cost in Ann Arbor?

Building Permit Fees (effective October 2019, revised 7/15/2025), under the Zoning Compliance permit heading: "Sheds under 200 square feet, includes one inspection ... $75". The same schedule prices zoning compliance permits at $25 for building projects up to $10,000 and $75 for projects over $10,000. A shed larger than 200 sq ft pays the $15 base application fee plus the estimated project cost permit fee ($100 for cost up to $1,000; $100 plus $10 per $1,000 from $1,000 to $50,000) plus a plan examination fee of 20% of the building permit fee. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

How long does a shed permit take in Ann Arbor?

In Ann Arbor, a shed permit typically takes 3 working days for zoning compliance review. Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.

Where do you apply for a shed permit in Ann Arbor?

You can apply through the Ann Arbor permit portal or contact the City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services (Construction and Building), with zoning review by Planning and Development Services directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull a shed permit themselves in Ann Arbor?

Under Michigan law (MCL 339.2403(b), (c); MCL 339.2401(a)(iii), (b)(ii)(A); MCL 339.5737(3)(g); MCL 339.6107(2)(d); MCL 339.5819): Yes. A Michigan homeowner may pull the building permit and do the work on their own home without a residential builder license, because the licensing article both defines the trade to exclude them and exempts them outright. MCL 339.2401(a)(iii) says a residential builder is a person that erects a residential structure except for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property, and MCL 339.2403(b) exempts an owner of property with reference to a structure on the property for the owner's own use and occupancy. Own use and occupancy is the condition, so the exemption does not cover building to sell, and MCL 339.2403(c) limits owners of rental property to maintenance and alteration of that property. The statute sets no cap on how many times a homeowner may use the exemption; the only frequency rule in the article catches purchase, substantial rehabilitation, and resale of the same structure more than twice in 1 calendar year, and MCL 339.2401(b)(ii)(A) exempts work for the person's own use and occupancy from even that. Homeowners can also pull their own trade permits: electrical work in a single family home and accompanying outbuildings owned and occupied or to be occupied by the person doing the work (MCL 339.5737(3)(g)), their own plumbing, building sewer, or private sewer in their single-family dwelling if a permit is secured (MCL 339.6107(2)(d)), and a heating or refrigerating system if the owner affirms in the permit application that they are or will become the owner and occupant (MCL 339.5819). Confirm how Ann Arbor applies this before you apply.