Virginia / Prince William County

Shed Permit in Prince William County, Virginia

By Mario Bailey Last verified 2026-06-17 · 2 official sources

Quick answer

A building permit is required in Prince William County for storage sheds exceeding 256 square feet. Sheds 256 square feet or less do not require a building permit, but zoning approval from the Zoning Division is required for all sheds regardless of size. If trade work such as electrical or plumbing is added to any shed, the applicable trade permits are also required.

Permit required?

Sometimes, depending on the project.

Typical threshold: building permit required for structures over 256 sq ft; zoning approval required for all sheds.

When a permit is usually needed

Before building any shed or storage structure

Permit cost and what affects it

Fees are set by the locality and are not published here. See the official fee schedule or contact the office for current amounts.

Permit costs generally depend on the project valuation, the scope of work, and the inspections required. Ask the office how the fee is calculated for your specific project.

Official fee schedule

Where to apply

Prince William County Building Development Division

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a shed permit in Prince William County?
A building permit is required in Prince William County for storage sheds exceeding 256 square feet. Sheds 256 square feet or less do not require a building permit, but zoning approval from the Zoning Division is required for all sheds regardless of size. If trade work such as electrical or plumbing is added to any shed, the applicable trade permits are also required. The typical threshold is building permit required for structures over 256 sq ft; zoning approval required for all sheds. Always confirm with the office before starting.
How much does a shed permit cost in Prince William County?
Fees are set by Prince William County and are not published here. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
How long does a shed permit take in Prince William County?
Processing time for a shed permit in Prince William County varies by workload and project scope. Contact the Prince William County Building Development Division for a current estimate.
Where do you apply for a shed permit in Prince William County?
You can apply through the Prince William County permit portal or contact the Prince William County Building Development Division directly. The links are listed on this page.

Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-17 Report an error on this page

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