Shed Permit requirements across Virginia
By Mario Bailey Last verified 2026-06-17
Requirements and size thresholds for shed permits vary by locality. The table below compares what each Virginia county or city requires. Always confirm with the local office before starting.
| Locality | Permit required? | Typical threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Culpeper County | Conditional | over 256 sq ft |
| Fairfax County | Conditional | single-story shed 256 sq ft or larger requires a building permit; under 256 sq ft no permit required |
| Fauquier County | Conditional | single-story structures under 256 sq ft are exempt from building permit; 256 sq ft or larger requires a building and zoning permit |
| Loudoun County | Conditional | under 256 sq ft requires zoning permit only; 256 sq ft or larger requires a building permit in addition to zoning permit |
| Orange County | Conditional | over 256 sq ft requires building permit; 150 to 256 sq ft requires zoning permit only; under 150 sq ft no permits required |
| Prince William County | Conditional | building permit required for structures over 256 sq ft; zoning approval required for all sheds |
| Spotsylvania County | Conditional | building permit required for sheds 256 sq ft or larger; zoning approval required for all sheds |
| Stafford County | Conditional | building permit required for sheds over 256 sq ft; zoning permit required for all sheds |