Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed or Outbuilding? in Nederland
Whether you need a permit for a shed depends on its size, height, and location. Most US jurisdictions exempt sheds under 120–200 sq ft without electrical or plumbing, but setback and HOA rules still apply. In Europe, small garden structures are often permit-free below a size threshold, but anything with a foundation, electricity, or plumbing usually requires at least a notification.
Do you need a permit?
Sometimes
- Permitting authority
- Omgevingsloket / gemeente
- Typical fee
- €0–€400
What triggers a permit
- Shed exceeds the local size threshold (typically 120–200 sq ft / 10–20 m²)
- Structure will have electrical wiring, plumbing, or a concrete foundation
- Shed is placed within the setback zone (too close to property lines or easements)
- Structure exceeds the maximum height limit (often 10–12 ft / 3–4 m)
- Shed will be used as habitable space (home office, ADU, or guest house)
Country-specific detail
Under the Dutch Omgevingswet, small garden structures (bijgebouw) in the backyard are often vergunningvrij if they don't exceed 30 m², are no taller than 3 m at the ridge, cover no more than 50% of the yard, and sit behind the front façade line. Larger structures, those with utilities, or those in protected areas (beschermd stadsgezicht) require an omgevingsvergunning via Omgevingsloket. The municipality's bestemmingsplan may impose additional restrictions.