NJ Permits

NJ Permits

Shed Permits in New Jersey: The Complete Guide

By French’s Contracting – Amish-Built Sheds Delivered Across NJ

Planning to install a shed in New Jersey? Permit rules in NJ vary by municipality — and they can change significantly based on shed size, height, foundation type, and intended use.

Before scheduling delivery, it’s important to understand what your town requires.

This guide explains the basics so you can avoid delays, fines, or being forced to move your shed after installation.

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed in NJ?

Often, yes — but it depends on your municipality and the shed’s size.

Under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC), many towns follow this general guideline:

  • Sheds under 200 square feet may be exempt from a building permit

  • Sheds over 200 square feet typically require a permit

  • Electrical or plumbing always requires permits

  • Local zoning approval may still be required regardless of size

⚠ Important: Even if a shed is exempt from a building permit, it must still comply with local zoning rules including:

  • Setbacks (distance from property lines)

  • Height limits

  • Lot coverage limits

  • HOA rules (if applicable)

Always verify with your local Construction or Zoning Department before ordering.

Portable “Drop-Off” Sheds vs. Permanent Foundations (This Matters in NJ)

At French’s Contracting, many of our sheds are:

  • Delivered fully assembled

  • Set on pressure-treated runners (skids)

  • Placed on gravel or a prepared base

  • Not attached to a permanent concrete foundation

In Many NJ Towns:

A shed that is portable and not permanently attached may:

  • Be treated as a temporary accessory structure

  • Require zoning approval only

  • Avoid certain building permit requirements under 200 sq ft

However…

⚠ Even portable sheds must still comply with:

  • Local setback requirements

  • Maximum height restrictions

  • Yard placement rules (rear yard only in many towns)

  • Lot coverage limits

When a Permit Is More Likely Required in NJ

Permits are typically required if:

  • The shed exceeds 200 sq ft

  • It is placed on a concrete slab

  • It is installed on permanent footings

  • You add electric or plumbing

  • It exceeds local height limits (often 10–15 ft depending on zone)

  • It is located in a flood hazard area

  • You exceed allowable accessory structure limits

The foundation type can change how your town classifies the structure.

Do I Need a Permit to Run Electricity to My Shed in NJ?

Yes.

Adding electric requires:

  • Electrical permit

  • Inspection

  • Compliance with NJ UCC

  • Often a licensed electrician

Even if the shed itself doesn’t require a building permit, electrical work does.

Do I Need Plans for a Shed Permit in NJ?

For larger sheds or permanent installations, towns may require:

  • A zoning review

  • Site plan showing property lines and setbacks

  • Shed dimensions and height

  • Construction details

  • Utility information

Many NJ towns require zoning approval before issuing a construction permit.

Common Shed Permit Mistakes in New Jersey

  • Assuming “under 200 sq ft” means automatically permit-free

  • Installing too close to property lines

  • Placing a shed in a front or side yard

  • Ignoring HOA rules

  • Adding electric without permits

  • Exceeding height limits

New Jersey municipalities can be strict — especially in suburban towns.

Municipalities We Deliver To Across NJ

We regularly deliver sheds throughout:

Toms River • Brick • Howell • Jackson • Freehold • Middletown • Manalapan • Marlboro • Edison • Woodbridge • Cherry Hill • Mount Laurel • Hamilton • Princeton • Clifton • Paramus • Wayne • Morristown • Piscataway • East Brunswick • Old Bridge • Vineland • Gloucester Township • Franklin Township • Jersey Shore towns and more.

If your town isn’t listed, no problem — NJ permit rules follow similar patterns but must be confirmed locally.

Why Work With French’s Contracting?

We deliver Amish-built sheds across New Jersey and understand how:

  • Size thresholds

  • Skid-mounted vs slab installations

  • Height restrictions

  • Zoning setbacks

  • Flood zone requirements

affect permitting in NJ.

Our sheds can be configured to align with common NJ standards so your delivery goes smoothly.

Before You Schedule Delivery

To avoid problems:

  1. Confirm shed size

  2. Confirm installation method (portable vs permanent)

  3. Verify setbacks with zoning

  4. Confirm if a building permit is required

  5. Check HOA restrictions

If you tell us your town and shed size, we’ll guide you in the right direction before delivery.

Ready for More Storage?

French’s Contracting offers fully customizable sheds from 6x8 up to 12x40+ in multiple styles, colors, and configurations.

📞 Contact us today
📍 Serving homeowners across New Jersey
🚚 Professional delivery available statewide

Build smart. Permit smart. Install with confidence.

 

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