Shed / Storage Building Permit in Atlanta (2026)
Shed / Storage Building permit requirements, fees, and process for Atlanta, GA. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Shed / Storage Building permit requirements in Atlanta, GA are conditional depending on project scope.
A Shed / Storage Building permit may be required depending on project scope in Atlanta, GA. The City of Atlanta Department of City Planning — Office of Buildings handles permit applications for Atlanta. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a shed / storage building permit in Atlanta.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a Shed / Storage Building Permit Is Required in Atlanta: Accessory structures under 200 sqft without utilities may be exempt
Permit Fees
Shed / Storage Building Permit Fees in Atlanta: $100–$450. Estimated timeline: 2-3 weeks.
Estimated timeline: 2-3 weeks
How to Get a Shed / Storage Building Permit in Atlanta
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in Atlanta: Accessory structures under 200 sqft without utilities may be exempt.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the City of Atlanta Department of City Planning — Office of Buildings at https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/office-of-buildings for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://selfservice.atlantaga.gov/ or in person at the City of Atlanta Department of City Planning — Office of Buildings.
Pay the permit fee: $100–$450.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 2-3 weeks.
Schedule required inspections through https://selfservice.atlantaga.gov/. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: Atlanta Department of City Planning accessory structure standards. Small pre-fabricated sheds without utilities may be exempt from permit.
City of Atlanta Department of City Planning — Office of Buildings
Phone: (404) 330-6150
Website: https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/office-of-buildings
Online Permits: https://selfservice.atlantaga.gov/
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Atlanta property?
Yes. Atlanta allows ADUs on single-family residential lots. The maximum size is 750 sqft or 50% of the primary dwelling floor area, whichever is less. Georgia has no statewide ADU law, so Atlanta's local rules apply. No owner-occupancy requirement. Impact fees (transportation, schools, parks) increase costs compared to some other cities. Permits are obtained through the Atlanta Department of City Planning.
What are Atlanta's tree protection rules?
Atlanta has one of the strongest urban tree protection ordinances in the Southeast. Any tree with a trunk diameter of 6 inches or more (measured at 4.5 feet height) is regulated — you need an Atlanta permit to remove it, even on private residential property. Mitigation (replacement planting or payment to the tree bank) is required for permitted removals. Heritage trees have additional protections. Violating the tree ordinance can result in substantial fines.
What zoning district is my Atlanta property in?
Look up your Atlanta property's zoning at ATLMaps.org (the City of Atlanta GIS portal). Most in-town single-family neighborhoods are R-3, R-4, or R-4A. Dense neighborhoods near MARTA stations may be RG or MRC. The Atlanta Land Development Code (Part 16) governs zoning standards. Atlanta also has numerous Special Public Interest (SPI) overlay districts in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and Sweet Auburn.
Are short-term rentals (Airbnb) allowed in Atlanta?
Yes, with a Short-Term Rental Certificate ($150/year). Atlanta regulates STRs with occupancy limits (2 guests per bedroom), noise ordinance compliance requirements, and registration mandates. Georgia Power and the state collect Hotel-Motel Tax on STR rentals, which platforms like Airbnb collect and remit. Atlanta has both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STR frameworks.
Does Atlanta have historic preservation requirements?
Yes. Atlanta's Urban Design Commission (UDC) oversees historic preservation in approximately 22 historic districts including Grant Park, Inman Park, Ansley Park, Cabbagetown, East Atlanta, and others. If your property is a Landmark or Contributing Structure in a historic district, you'll need a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes. Check your property's status at the Atlanta UDC website.
Source: Atlanta Building Code — Shed / Storage Building Requirements. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source