Orlando Accessory Structure and Shed Permit Requirements

The City of Orlando requires a building permit for the development of any accessory use or structure, including sheds, regardless of the square footage of the project. While the City of Orlando distinguishes between structures that are 100 square feet or less and those that are larger for the purposes of height and setback standards, the requirement to obtain a permit prior to construction remains mandatory for all such improvements [Section 58.900].

Mandatory Building Permits in Orlando

Within the City of Orlando, no accessory use or structure may be developed without first obtaining a building permit issued in accordance with Chapter 65 of the City Code [Section 58.900]. The City of Orlando defines a "building" broadly as any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind, which encompasses standard backyard sheds [Section 56.32].

Additionally, the City of Orlando stipulates that accessory structures generally cannot be developed until after the construction of the principal use (such as a primary residence) has begun, and they cannot be used until the principal structure is fully developed [Section 58.900].

Technical Standards for Accessory Structures

The City of Orlando applies specific location and zoning standards based on the size and height of the accessory structure. These standards dictate the minimum setbacks required from the rear lot line.

Minimum Setbacks from Rear Lot Line

Accessory Structure Size	Height < 8 feet	Height 8—12 feet	Height > 12 feet
≤ 100 sq. ft.	0 feet	5 feet	15 feet
> 100 sq. ft.	5 feet	5 feet	15 feet

Note: For structures with multiple heights, the height of the taller portion determines the setback. Any structure with habitable space on top, such as a rooftop deck, must meet the 15-foot setback requirement [Section 58.901].

Location and Size Restrictions

The City of Orlando imposes further restrictions on where a shed or accessory structure may be placed on a property and how much of the lot it may occupy:

Same Building Site: The accessory structure must be located on the same building site as the associated principal use [Section 58.901].
Front Yard Prohibitions: In the City of Orlando, accessory structures for 1—5 family dwellings are prohibited in the required front and street side yard setbacks. They are also prohibited in the front half of the lot or between the principal building and the street [Section 58.901].
Maximum Size/Coverage: No accessory structure in the City of Orlando shall occupy more than 35% of the area between the rear property line and the principal structure. This calculation excludes swimming pools, hot tubs, and hydrospas [Section 58.901].
Side Yard Setbacks: Setbacks from the side lot line and street side lot line in the rear yard must be the same as the respective lot line setbacks for the principal structure [Section 58.901].

Special Requirements for Backyard Chicken Coops

If the accessory structure is intended to serve as a backyard chicken coop, the City of Orlando applies more stringent size and placement rules. A permit is specifically required for these structures, and the planning official must verify that there are no outstanding code violations on the property [Section 58.901].

Feature	City of Orlando Standard
Maximum Size	50 square feet
Setback from Neighbors	20 feet from neighboring residential homes
Setback from Main House	5 feet
Setback from Property Line	5 feet (0 feet if adjacent to a masonry wall in non-residential)

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