Denver, CO shed and backyard pod permit exemption

Denver exempts one-story detached sheds with no more than 200 sq ft of projected roof area. The top plate height limit is 8 ft and the maximum height is 14 ft. The exemption covers non-conditioned buildings. Two lights and two receptacles are allowed with an electrical permit.

Denver quick facts

Size limit: 200 sq ft or less
Measured as: Projected roof area.
Height: 8 ft top plate height and 14 ft to any point, measured from the lowest adjacent grade.
Electrical power: A maximum of two lights and two receptacles are permitted with a valid electrical permit.
Use: Exemption covers one-story, detached, non-conditioned buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses.
Source: Denver Community Planning and Development
Checked: Nov 5, 2026

Official text

“no more than 200 square feet of projected roof area, 8-ft top plate height, or 14-ft maximum height to any point”

Source: Denver Community Planning and Development.

Other conditions

Zoning permit may be required (Former Chapter 59 zone districts)
Heat, A/C or water needs trade permits

Pod sizes compared with the Denver size limit

33 of 36 pod sizes are within the 200 sq ft limit by floor area. The other 3 are over the limit.

This rule counts roof area. No manufacturer here lists roof area, so the comparison uses floor area.

Autonomous MetroPod: 80 sq ft
Autonomous WorkPod: 102 sq ft
Autonomous StudioPod: 105 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 8 x 10 ft: 80 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 8 x 12 ft: 96 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 8 x 14 ft: 112 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 8 x 16 ft: 128 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 10 x 10 ft: 100 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 10 x 14 ft: 140 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 10 x 16 ft: 160 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 10 x 20 ft: 200 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 12 x 12 ft: 144 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 12 x 14 ft: 168 sq ft
Studio Home Signature 12 x 16 ft: 192 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 8 x 12 ft: 96 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 8 x 14 ft: 112 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 8 x 16 ft: 128 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 10 x 14 ft: 140 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 10 x 16 ft: 160 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 12 x 12 ft: 144 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 12 x 14 ft: 168 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 12 x 16 ft: 192 sq ft
Studio Home Portland 14 x 14 ft: 196 sq ft
Kanga Room Systems Modern Kwik Room 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
Kanga Room Systems Modern Kwik Room 12 x 14 ft: 168 sq ft
Kanga Room Systems Modern Kwik Room 12 x 16 ft: 192 sq ft
Kanga Room Systems Modern Kwik Room 14 x 14 ft: 196 sq ft
Kanga Room Systems Cottage Kwik Room 10 x 12 ft: 120 sq ft
Kanga Room Systems Cottage Kwik Room 12 x 14 ft: 168 sq ft
Kanga Room Systems Cottage Kwik Room 12 x 16 ft: 192 sq ft
Kanga Room Systems Cottage Kwik Room 14 x 14 ft: 196 sq ft

Of the pods within the limit, 3 ship pre-wired, all from Autonomous. This rule addresses electrical power, so that condition applies to them.

The building department for the address decides whether a permit is required. This site repeats published rules and compares them with published pod sizes. Zoning rules, HOA rules and setbacks can also apply.