Phoenix, AZ shed and backyard pod permit exemption

Phoenix exempts one-story detached accessory structures with an aggregate floor area of 200 sq ft or less. The covered uses are tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses. The city's commentary states that utilities run to an exempt structure need their own permit.

Phoenix quick facts

Size limit: 200 sq ft or less
Measured as: Aggregate floor area.
Height: One story.
Electrical power: City commentary: “If utilities are provided to a detached accessory structure exempt from permit, a permit is required for the installation of the utilities.”
Use: Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses (commentary adds ramadas and gazebos).
Source: City of Phoenix Planning and Development (Phoenix Building Construction Code, Section 105.2)
Checked: Nov 5, 2026

Official text

“One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the aggregate floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 square meters).”

Source: City of Phoenix Planning and Development (Phoenix Building Construction Code, Section 105.2).

Pod sizes compared with the Phoenix size limit

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

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.