Do I need a permit for a shed in Bath, Maine?
Probably yes, so check with the Codes Office first. Bath's new Land Use Code says no building or structure may be built without a building permit from the Codes Enforcement Officer, while the office's older 2012 shed handout says a detached, one-story, storage-only shed under 200 square feet doesn't need one. Either way the shed must be at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, stay out of the front and corner side yards, and be no taller than 22 feet or your house.
| Building permit (Land Use Code, 2026) | Required to construct any building or structure; no size exemption stated [7] |
| No-permit exemption (2012 Codes handout, may be outdated) | Under 200 sq ft, one story, storage only [5] |
| Setback from interior side and rear lot lines | 5 ft minimum [1] |
| Front or corner side yard | Not allowed [1] |
| Max height | 22 ft, and no taller than the house [2] |
| Max footprint | No larger than the house's footprint [3] |
| Historic District | Historic District Review required regardless of size [6] |
Do you need a permit?
Two City sources disagree, so call the Codes Enforcement Office before you build. The new Land Use Code says a building or structure may not be constructed until the Codes Enforcement Officer issues a building permit, and it doesn't list any size exemption [7]. The Codes Office's shed handout, written in 2012 under the old code and still posted, says a detached shed smaller than 200 square feet, no taller than one story and used only for storage doesn't need a building permit [5]. The handout may reflect the building code's small-shed exemption, but it predates the new Land Use Code, so don't rely on it without confirming. Permit or not, every shed must meet the setback and lot coverage rules [6]. If your property is in the Historic District, Historic District Review is required whatever the size [5], and new construction there needs approval before any building permit is issued [8].
Where it can go
Bath's new Land Use Code (in effect since September 23, 2026) sets the rules for all detached accessory structures, sheds included. A shed must be at least 5 feet from any interior side or rear lot line and can't go in a front or corner side yard [1]. It can be no taller than 22 feet, and never taller than the house on the same lot [2]. Its footprint can't be larger than the house's footprint [3]. You can't build an accessory structure before the main building [9]. The code defines a shed as an accessory structure, often pre-built or a kit, without heat or plumbing and not needing a permanent foundation, typically used for lawn, garden or recreational equipment [4].
Measuring and property lines
The handout notes that setbacks are measured to the nearest point of the building, which is often the soffit or dripline rather than the wall. The front property line is usually somewhere between the street or sidewalk and your house. A boundary survey is the best way to locate lines.
Outdated handout parts
The shed handout dates from July 2012. Its zoning parts (Article 8 setbacks, the R-1 zone's 10-foot setback with a 5-foot reduction for sheds of 144 square feet or less, and its City Planner contact) predate the new code and no longer apply; use the 5-foot and 22-foot rules above instead. If you're in the Shoreland Zone, the stricter water setbacks apply too.
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Next steps
- Check your lot on the City zoning map for the Historic District or the Shoreland Zone overlay; both add review.
- Place the shed in the rear or interior side yard, at least 5 feet from the side and rear lot lines (measured to the eaves), and keep it under 22 feet and lower than your house.
- Ask the Codes Enforcement Office (55 Front Street, 207-443-8334) whether your shed needs a building permit under the new code; if it does, apply with a site plan showing where the shed goes. Starting work before a required permit can raise the fee.
- In the Historic District, get Historic District approval first; the building permit can't be issued until you have it.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit for a shed in Bath, Maine?
- Probably, so check with the Codes Office first. Bath's new Land Use Code says no building or structure may be built without a building permit, while the office's older 2012 handout says a detached, one-story, storage-only shed under 200 square feet doesn't need one.
- How close to the property line can a shed be in Bath, Maine?
- At least 5 feet from interior side and rear lot lines, measured to the nearest point of the building, which is often the eaves. Sheds can't go in the front yard or a corner side yard.
- How tall can a shed be in Bath, Maine?
- No taller than 22 feet, and never taller than the house on the same lot. Its footprint also can't be larger than the house's footprint.
- Do I need Historic District approval for a shed in Bath, Maine?
- Yes, if your property is in the Historic District. Historic District Review is required whatever the shed's size, and a building permit can't be issued until you have that approval.
Maine building code and shoreland rules for sheds
Building code (MUBEC): The Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code adopts the 2021 International Residential Code, effective April 7, 2025. It must be enforced in towns with more than 4,000 residents. Smaller towns may choose to enforce it, but they can't adopt any other building code.
- Maine's version of the code says building permits are required "where required by municipal ordinance," and towns can exempt more work from permits.
- The residential code exempts small one-story detached accessory buildings from a building permit. Under the IRC that means up to 200 sq ft.
- Being exempt from a building permit doesn't exempt you from zoning. Setbacks, lot coverage and any land-use permit still apply. Check with your code officer.
Shoreland zone: A shed is a "structure" under the state shoreland rules, so it must meet the water setbacks: generally 100 ft from GPA great ponds and 75 ft from other waters and wetlands. It also counts toward the 20% lot-coverage cap. On a small nonconforming lot where a shed can't meet the setback, the code officer may allow one shed up to 80 sq ft and 8 ft tall, with no utilities. It has to be as far from the water as practical and never closer than the house.
What the ordinance says
- LUC §10.1.B General Accessory Structure Regulations, City of Bath Land Use Code (new code adopted by City Council 2026-09-02, effective 2026-09-23), p. 131
1. A minimum of five feet from any interior side or rear lot line. 2. No detached accessory structure may be placed in a front or corner side yard unless specifically allowed by this Code.
- LUC §10.1.D, City of Bath Land Use Code (new code adopted by City Council 2026-09-02, effective 2026-09-23), p. 131
The maximum height of any detached accessory structure is 22 feet, unless otherwise specifically permitted or restricted by this Code. However, no accessory structure may exceed the height of the principal building on the same lot.
- LUC §10.1.E, City of Bath Land Use Code (new code adopted by City Council 2026-09-02, effective 2026-09-23), p. 131
The footprint of any single detached accessory structure cannot exceed the footprint of the principal building.
- LUC §2.3 General Definitions, Shed, City of Bath Land Use Code (new code adopted by City Council 2026-09-02, effective 2026-09-23), p. 21
Shed. An accessory structure, often purchased pre-built or as a kit in pre-fabricated sections, that is not designed to be served by heat or plumbing and does not need to be placed on a permanent foundation. A shed is typically intended to store lawn, garden, or recreational equipment.
- CEO handout, Sheds (07-09-12), Is a building permit required?, CEO handout - Sheds (2012-07-09), p. 1
If a detached shed is smaller than 200 square feet, is no taller than one story, and is used for storage only, it does not require a building permit. If the property where the shed is going to be placed or built is in the Historic District, Historic District Review is required, regardless of whether a building permit is required or not.
- CEO handout, Sheds (07-09-12), setbacks, CEO handout - Sheds (2012-07-09), p. 1
All sheds must meet the applicable setback requirements, and lot coverage limits, regardless of whether a building permit is required or not.
- LUC §15.10.A Building Permit, City of Bath Land Use Code (new code adopted by City Council 2026-09-02, effective 2026-09-23), p. 189
A building, structure, or part thereof may not be constructed, structurally altered, enlarged, moved, or demolished until a building permit for any of these actions has been issued by the CEO.
- LUC §7.1.D.2 Historic Overlay District, City of Bath Land Use Code (new code adopted by City Council 2026-09-02, effective 2026-09-23), p. 47
No building permit may be issued until the application has been reviewed and approved by the Historic District Review Authority in accordance with the procedures and standards of this Section.
- LUC §10.1.A, City of Bath Land Use Code (new code adopted by City Council 2026-09-02, effective 2026-09-23), p. 131
An accessory structure may not be constructed prior to construction of the principal building to which it is accessory.