Sheds & Accessory Structures

General Information

• All Sheds, Patios, and Accessory Structures require a permit from Development Services.
• You can apply for these permits on the Holly Springs CityView Portal.
  • Sheds and other accessory structures that are detached from the home and less than 12' in any direction should be applied for using the "UDO Permit Application (Building Permit Not Required)" application type (under the Building & UDO Permits section in the portal).
  • Patios (with no additional projects) should be applied for using the "UDO Permit Application (Building Permit Not Required)" application type (under the Building & UDO Permits section in the portal).
  • Sheds, decks, screened-in porches, and other accessory structures that are larger than 12' in any direction or attached to the primary dwelling should be applied for using the "Building Construction - Residential" application type (under the Building & UDO Permits section in the portal).
• Patios and detached accessory structures are required to follow accessory structure setbacks which are less restrictive than primary building setbacks.
• These setbacks vary by zoning district. Please contact Development Services for additional information on your property's setbacks. 
• Always check with your Home Owners Association (HOA) for additional regulations.
• Accessory Uses, Buildings or Structures are not permitted on a lot without a primary Building.

Accessory Building Limitations

• Area: The total square foot area of all detached accessory Buildings on a lot shall not exceed 50% of the finished floor area of the primary dwelling. For lots greater than 2 (two) acres in the RR District, the total square foot area of all detached accessory buildings on a lot shall not exceed 100% of the finished floor area of the primary dwelling.
• Maximum Number:The maximum number of detached accessory buildings on a lot shall not exceed the following:
  • In the RR District: Not applicable
  • In all other Residential Use Districts: 2
• Location: Detached accessory buildings shall not be located in the front yard. Accessory structures must meet setback regulations and cannot be placed within any easements/buffers.

Submittal Requirements

When applying for a shed or accessory structure permit, you will be required to submit the following documents:

• Plot Plan showing the measurements from the proposed structure to the property lines. If your lot has impervious surface limits, please provide an updated impervious surface table with the square footage of the proposed structure. Additional information about impervious surfaces can be found here. 
• Building plans for the proposed structure (if greater than 12' in any dimension or attached to the home).
• You may be required to submit additional documents if the proposed structure has electricity.
• You may be required to submit additional documents or confirmation that an accessory building will remain consistent/compatible with the primary dwelling.

A plot plan is required for all permits. A plot plan is a detailed sketch, survey or other drawing of your property that clearly shows the property lines, any existing structures and the proposed project. Please clearly indicate your project setbacks (the distance your proposed project will be located from all property lines) on the plot plan. Contact us to obtain setback information for your property.

For additional information regarding sheds and accessory structures, please see UDO Section 3.4