Do You Need a Permit for a Shed in Tyler, TX? [2025 Local Guide by Superior Sheds TX]

When you're planning to add a storage shed or workshop to your property in Tyler, Texas, one of the first questions that comes up is:

"Do I need a permit for my shed?"

The answer depends on size, electrical/plumbing, and whether you're inside Tyler city limits or just in a Tyler ZIP code under Smith County/ETJ. At Superior Sheds TX, we build sheds across 75701, 75703, 75707, 75709, and surrounding East Texas areas, and we deal with this question on almost every build — so here’s a clear breakdown.

✅ Quick Permit Overview – Tyler, TX

Inside Tyler city limits:

• Under 200 sq ft (no electrical or plumbing) - No permit required

• 200 sq ft or larger - Permit required

• Any electrical or plumbing added - Permit required

• Concrete slab under 200 sq ft - No permit typically required, but must follow setbacks

• Setback requirement — Stay at least 5 ft off side/rear property lines

Outside Tyler city limits (Smith County / ETJ):

• County does not require permits for personal-use sheds

• BUT floodplain, septic/sewer rules, and HOA rules can still apply

• County won’t inspect, but HOAs and neighbors will

💬 Not sure if you're inside city limits or county?
Text your address or photo of your yard to 903-251-5042, and we’ll check your permit status and setbacks for free before you build.

📍 Tyler City Limits vs ETJ (Smith County)

Many homeowners think “I have a Tyler address, so I follow Tyler rules.” That’s not always true.

• If you're inside Tyler city limits, you fall under City of Tyler Development Services - that's where the 200 sq ft rule applies.

• If you're outside city limits but still have a Tyler ZIP code, you’re likely in the ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction).

  • Smith County does not enforce building permits for personal sheds.

  • However, floodplain, septic/OSSF, or driveway/right-of-way rules may still be enforced.

• HOAs still in the county. In many subdivisions, the HOA is the one who will make you move or repaint a shed - not the city.

👷 Real-world note: In our experience, Smith County won’t bother you, but HOAs and neighbors will - and they move faster than the city.

📐 Tyler Setback Rules for Sheds

Even if a permit isn't required, the city still enforces accessory building placement rules if you're inside city limits:

Minimum setback from side/rear property line - 5 feet

Max height for accessory structures - 16 feet

Max coverage of rear yard by sheds/buildings - 30% of rear yard area

No building over drainage, utility, or access easements - City or utility can force removal

At Superior Sheds TX, we layout your shed location to meet setback rules so you don’t get a letter later telling you to move it.

🏘 HOA Rules - The Real Approval Step in Tyler Neighborhoods

In communities around Tyler like Hollytree, The Woods, Cumberland Ridge, Baker Heights, and Copeland Woods, HOAs enforce appearance and placement standards harder than the city does. They typically look for:

• Shed color to match or complement the home

• Architectural shingles preferred over metal in many HOAs

• Peak height limits - usually 12–14 ft max

• Basic site map or placement drawing before approval

We provide a clean layout diagram and photo mockup of your shed to submit to your HOA, which makes approvals go way smoother.

🚫 What Happens If You Skip the Permit?

Here’s the truth: Many sheds go up without permits, and most people never get questioned. But if someone does complain or code enforcement drives by:

• You may get a Stop Work Notice

• You may be required to pay for a retroactive permit

• If placed inside the 5 ft setback zone, they can order relocation

• It can delay refinance or sale of your home - appraisers note non-permitted structures

📋 Before You Order Your Shed — Quick Checklist

✅ Confirm if you're inside Tyler city limits or just in Smith County/ETJ
✅ Know your shed size - 200 sq ft is the trigger number
✅ Check HOA if applicable (we can help with this)
✅ Decide if you're running power - electrical always needs a permit
✅ Mark utilities and consider setback placement

🎁 Free Local Check: Text your address or a quick photo of the install spot to 903-251-5042, and we’ll tell you if you need a permit, if your shed size is exempt, and exactly how far off the fence line it needs to be.

🎯 Final Word - Built Right, Built Once

At Superior Sheds TX, we don’t just drop a building and drive away.
We help Tyler homeowners avoid fines, setbacks violations, and HOA headaches before build day ever arrives.

Whether you’re in Tyler, Flint, Whitehouse, or anywhere in East Texas, we can:

• Check your permit status

• Provide HOA-ready diagrams

• Mark layout for setback compliance

• Build your shed to code, every time - even if the county doesn’t check

📲 Text 903-251-5042 - let us confirm your permit and HOA situation in just a couple minutes before you order.