USA Site Plans
Planning to place or build a backyard shed in Philadelphia? A shed can be useful for storage, tools, lawn equipment, pool supplies, garden items, bicycles, or general backyard organization. But before installing one, it is important to understand where the shed will sit, how large it will be, how tall it is, and whether it meets Philadelphia zoning and building permit rules.
A Philadelphia shed site plan helps show the proposed shed location on the property. It can include the existing house, property lines, shed footprint, shed dimensions, rear yard location, setbacks, garage, driveway, alley, fence, gate, trees, landscaping, door, ramp, and nearby structures.
This guide explains what a Philadelphia shed site plan should include, when permit questions may come up, what homeowners should prepare, and how to avoid common shed layout mistakes.
What Is a Philadelphia Shed Site Plan?
A Philadelphia shed site plan is a scaled drawing that shows where a proposed shed will be located on a residential property. It is usually drawn from above and shows the shed in relation to the house, property lines, rear yard, side yard, garage, alley, driveway, fence, and other site features.
A shed site plan may show:
- property lines and lot dimensions;
- existing house footprint;
- proposed shed location;
- shed length and width;
- shed height note;
- front, side, and rear setbacks;
- rear yard, side yard, or front yard placement;
- existing garage, driveway, alley, fence, patio, or deck;
- shed door and ramp location;
- walkway or access path;
- trees, landscaping, or nearby obstructions;
- north arrow and scale;
- basic notes about the project.
The goal is to make the shed layout easy to understand. A reviewer should be able to see where the shed will be placed, how large it is, how close it is to property lines, and whether it appears to meet the basic placement rules.
Does a Shed in Philadelphia Need a Permit?
It depends on the shed. Philadelphia has specific guidance for sheds that are accessory to one- or two-family dwellings. The City’s shed FAQ explains that most structures require zoning and building permits, but the code includes exceptions for smaller structures like sheds.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Shed Permit FAQ
For sheds accessory to one- or two-family dwellings, the City’s shed FAQ gives this general guidance:
- A shed that is 120 square feet or less, located in the rear yard, not taller than 15 feet, and no more than one story may not require a zoning permit or building permit.
- A shed that is 120 square feet or less but located in the front or side yard may require a zoning permit, but may not require a building permit if it is one story.
- A shed greater than 120 square feet and up to 130 square feet may require a zoning permit and must meet zoning limits.
- A shed greater than 130 square feet and up to 200 square feet may be refused if it is not permitted by the zoning code.
- A shed greater than 200 square feet may require both zoning and building permit review.
The City’s zoning permit page also says that a shed or similar accessory structure for an existing one- or two-family dwelling may not need zoning approval if it is under 120 square feet, under 15 feet high, located in the rear yard, and does not store motor vehicles.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Zoning Permit for New Construction or Additions
Because requirements can change based on size, height, location, use, utilities, and property conditions, homeowners should confirm the rules for their specific shed before installation.
Why a Shed Site Plan Matters
A shed may seem small, but it still takes up space on the lot. It can affect setbacks, lot coverage, access, drainage, fences, gates, trees, and the usable backyard area.
A clear Philadelphia shed site plan helps show:
- where the shed will be placed;
- whether the shed is in the rear yard, side yard, or front yard;
- how large the shed is;
- how tall the shed is;
- how far the shed is from property lines;
- whether the shed is near a fence, garage, alley, or driveway;
- where the door and ramp will face;
- whether the shed blocks access or drainage;
- whether the project appears to fit Philadelphia shed permit guidance.
A site plan also helps the installer place the shed correctly. Moving a shed after installation can be annoying and expensive, especially if it has a foundation, ramp, anchors, electrical service, or a heavy floor system.
Common Philadelphia Shed Projects
Shed site plans are useful for many backyard projects, including:
- storage sheds;
- garden sheds;
- tool sheds;
- workshop sheds;
- pool equipment sheds;
- utility sheds;
- prefabricated sheds;
- custom-built backyard sheds;
- sheds with ramps;
- sheds near fences, garages, alleys, or property lines.
Each shed type may have different layout concerns. A small garden shed in the rear yard is different from a larger workshop shed with electricity or a shed placed near a side lot line.
What Should a Philadelphia Shed Site Plan Include?
A permit-ready shed site plan should be clear, scaled, and specific to the property. It should show the actual lot and proposed shed, not a generic backyard sketch.
1. Property Lines
The site plan should show the front, side, and rear property lines. These boundaries help reviewers and installers understand where the shed sits on the lot.
If the shed is close to a fence, remember that the fence may not be the exact legal property line. If the shed location is tight, use a survey before final placement.
2. Existing House
The existing house should be shown and labeled. This helps identify the rear yard, side yard, front yard, and access route to the shed.
3. Proposed Shed Footprint
The proposed shed should be clearly labeled. The site plan should show the shed length and width.
For example, a plan may show an 8-foot by 10-foot shed, a 10-foot by 12-foot shed, or another size. The dimensions should match the actual shed being purchased or built.
4. Shed Height
The site plan or project notes should identify shed height. Philadelphia’s accessory structure guidance uses height as one of the key factors, especially for small rear-yard sheds that may not need zoning approval.
If the shed is close to 15 feet tall or has a tall roof design, confirm requirements before ordering or building it.
5. Rear Yard, Side Yard, or Front Yard Location
Location matters. The City’s shed FAQ treats a rear-yard shed differently from a side-yard or front-yard shed.
The site plan should clearly show whether the shed is located:
- behind the house in the rear yard;
- between the house and the side lot line in the side yard;
- between the street and the house in the front yard;
- near a garage, alley, driveway, or fence.
6. Setbacks and Distances
The plan should show the distance from the shed to nearby property lines and structures.
Important dimensions may include:
- distance from shed to rear property line;
- distance from shed to side property line;
- distance from shed to existing house;
- distance from shed to garage;
- distance from shed to fence or gate;
- distance from shed to alley or driveway;
- distance from shed to trees or retaining walls.
7. Door and Ramp Location
Shed doors and ramps should be shown when relevant. The door direction affects how the shed is used and whether there is enough clear space for access.
If the shed has a ramp, show the ramp location and direction. A ramp should not block a walkway, gate, alley, driveway, or required access path.
8. Existing Garage, Driveway, or Alley
Many Philadelphia homes have rear alleys, detached garages, narrow driveways, or shared access routes. The shed site plan should show these features when they are nearby.
If the shed is near an alley or garage, the plan should show that it does not block vehicle access or gate access.
9. Fences, Gates, and Walkways
The plan should show fence lines, gates, and walkways that affect the shed location. This is especially important if the shed is delivered fully assembled and must pass through a gate or side yard.
10. Trees and Landscaping
Large trees, raised beds, retaining walls, and landscaping can affect shed placement. Show them if they are close to the proposed shed area.
11. North Arrow and Scale
A north arrow and scale make the site plan easier to read. They also make the drawing look more professional and permit-ready.
Small Rear-Yard Sheds
Small rear-yard sheds are often the simplest type of shed project. Under Philadelphia’s guidance, a shed accessory to an existing one- or two-family dwelling may not need zoning approval if it is less than 120 square feet, less than 15 feet high, located in the rear yard, and does not store motor vehicles.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Accessory Structures
Even when a small rear-yard shed does not need a permit, a site plan is still useful because it helps confirm:
- the shed is in the rear yard;
- the shed is under the size limit;
- the shed is under the height limit;
- the shed does not block access;
- the shed is not accidentally placed over a boundary line;
- the shed does not create drainage or maintenance problems.
Sheds in the Side Yard or Front Yard
A shed in the side yard or front yard can trigger different requirements. Philadelphia’s shed FAQ gives an example of a shed accessory to a single-family dwelling that is 120 square feet or less, not taller than 15 feet or one story, but located in the side yard. In that example, a zoning permit is required and a building permit is not required.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Shed Permit FAQ
This is why the site plan must clearly show the shed location. A shed of the same size may be treated differently depending on whether it is in the rear yard, side yard, or front yard.
Large Sheds
Larger sheds require more care. The City’s shed FAQ explains that sheds greater than 200 square feet may require a building permit, and sheds that do not meet zoning code limits may receive a refusal that would require an appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
If your shed is large, include more detail on the site plan, such as:
- exact shed footprint;
- height;
- door and ramp location;
- foundation or base type;
- distance to all property lines;
- relationship to house and garage;
- utility connections if any;
- drainage direction;
- nearby fences, alleys, and structures.
Sheds With Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Work
A simple storage shed is different from a shed with electricity, plumbing, heating, cooling, or mechanical equipment. Philadelphia’s shed FAQ notes that additional permits may be required, such as electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Shed Permit FAQ
If the shed includes utilities, the site plan should show:
- electrical route if known;
- panel or outlet location if relevant;
- plumbing route if any;
- mechanical equipment if any;
- distance to house and other structures;
- utility meter or service location if relevant.
Do not describe a utility-equipped shed as a basic storage shed. The scope should match the plans and permit application.
Shed Base, Foundation, and Drainage
Sheds can sit on different bases, including gravel pads, concrete slabs, pavers, skids, piers, or other support systems. The base should be noted if it affects the project scope.
Drainage also matters. A shed should not direct water toward the house foundation, neighboring property, garage, or low areas where water collects.
A site plan can show:
- shed base location;
- gravel or slab area;
- door and ramp location;
- general drainage direction;
- nearby downspouts;
- distance from shed to house and garage;
- clear space around the shed for maintenance.
Shed Near a Property Line
Sheds are often placed in corners of the backyard. That can work well, but it makes boundary accuracy important.
If the shed is near a side or rear property line, show:
- distance to rear property line;
- distance to side property line;
- distance to fence line if different from property line;
- roof overhang if relevant;
- door swing or ramp direction;
- nearby neighbor structures if close;
- access space around the shed.
If the boundary is uncertain, a survey is the safer starting point.
Shed Near a Garage, Alley, or Driveway
Many Philadelphia properties have rear garages, alleys, and narrow access conditions. If the shed is near these areas, the site plan should show the relationship clearly.
The plan should identify:
- garage location;
- driveway or parking area;
- rear alley location;
- gate location;
- vehicle access path;
- shed door and ramp location;
- distance between shed and garage;
- distance between shed and alley.
The shed should not block practical access to a garage, parking area, gate, or service path.
Historic Properties and Floodplain Review
Philadelphia’s building permit page notes that some projects that might not otherwise need a building permit may still require one if the property is on the Philadelphia Historic Registry. The zoning permit page also notes that properties in the floodplain may require special documents or a review meeting.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Get a Building Permit
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Zoning Permit for New Construction or Additions
If your property is historic or in a floodplain, check requirements before buying or placing the shed.
Shed Site Plan vs. Survey
A shed site plan is not the same as a survey.
A survey is prepared by a licensed surveyor and identifies legal property boundaries, existing improvements, and other boundary-related information. A site plan is a project drawing that shows the proposed shed layout on the property.
For a shed close to a property line, fence, alley, garage, or shared area, a survey can be very helpful. If you already have a survey, it can be used as a strong starting point for the shed site plan.
Other Drawings That May Be Needed
A shed site plan may be enough for a simple layout, but some shed projects need additional information.
Possible supporting documents include:
- shed elevation showing height;
- floor plan;
- foundation or base detail;
- framing or structural details for custom sheds;
- manufacturer specifications for prefabricated sheds;
- electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit documents if utilities are included;
- photos of existing conditions;
- historic or floodplain documents if required.
Philadelphia L&I provides plan requirement resources for zoning, building, trade, and administrative submissions.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – L&I Plan Requirements
Common Philadelphia Shed Site Plan Mistakes
Many shed project problems come from unclear or incomplete site information. Avoid these common mistakes:
- property lines not shown;
- shed footprint not dimensioned;
- shed height missing;
- rear yard, side yard, or front yard location unclear;
- setbacks not labeled;
- existing house not shown;
- garage, alley, driveway, or fence missing;
- door and ramp location not shown;
- utilities not disclosed;
- using a fence line as the property line without verification;
- historic or floodplain status not checked;
- no north arrow or scale;
- using a rough sketch that is hard to read.
A good shed site plan should show the shed, the yard, and the surrounding features that affect placement.
What to Gather Before Preparing a Philadelphia Shed Site Plan
Before preparing the drawing, gather the basic property and project information.
Helpful items include:
- property address;
- existing survey if available;
- lot width and lot depth;
- proposed shed length and width;
- proposed shed height;
- door and ramp location;
- rear yard, side yard, or front yard placement;
- distance to rear and side property lines;
- existing house footprint;
- garage, alley, driveway, fence, gate, patio, or deck location;
- trees or landscape features near the shed;
- base type, such as gravel pad, slab, pavers, or skids;
- whether the shed will include utilities;
- photos of the proposed shed area;
- whether the property is historic or in a floodplain;
- zoning district if known.
The more accurate the starting information, the cleaner the site plan will be.
How to Apply for Philadelphia Permits Online
Philadelphia uses eCLIPSE for online permit and license applications. Applicants can use the City’s online system to apply for permits, upload documents, and manage permit activity.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Get a Building Permit
If a shed permit is required, make sure the site plan, shed dimensions, height, location, project description, and any supporting documents all match before submitting.
When a Shed Site Plan Is Especially Helpful
A detailed shed site plan is especially useful when:
- the shed is close to a property line;
- the shed is in the side yard or front yard;
- the shed is larger than a small rear-yard storage shed;
- the shed is near a garage, alley, driveway, or gate;
- the property is narrow or irregular;
- the shed includes a ramp or utility connection;
- the property is historic or in a floodplain;
- the homeowner wants a cleaner permit package;
- the installer needs a clear placement plan.
In these situations, a simple sketch may not be enough. A scaled, labeled site plan can make the shed layout easier to review and easier to install correctly.
Final Thoughts
A Philadelphia shed site plan is a useful drawing for backyard shed projects. It shows the proposed shed footprint, property lines, setbacks, rear yard location, existing house, garage, driveway, alley, fence, gate, door, ramp, and nearby site features.
Small rear-yard sheds for one- or two-family dwellings may qualify for permit exceptions when they meet Philadelphia’s size, height, location, and use conditions. But larger sheds, side-yard sheds, front-yard sheds, sheds with utilities, historic properties, floodplain properties, and non-residential uses can require additional review.
Before placing or building a shed, confirm the rules for your property, verify the boundaries, check the shed size and height, and prepare a clear site plan that shows exactly where the shed will go.