this is about the project and permits next: [[Concrete Slab]] next: [[Roof Installation]] ### Key Points - It seems likely that you need a building permit for a 10' x 20' shed in Frisco, Texas, as all accessory structures require one. - Research suggests you’ll need a property plot plan and detailed drawings showing the shed’s dimensions for the permit application. - The evidence leans toward using solid concrete blocks or a concrete slab for the foundation, with wood framing, vinyl or metal siding, and architectural shingles or metal for the roof, given your materials and local climate. --- ### Permits You’ll likely need a building permit for your shed, as Frisco, Texas, requires permits for all accessory structures, including storage sheds. Contact the Building Inspections Division at 972-292-5301 for specific guidance, especially given your shed’s 200 square foot size. It’s also worth checking with your Homeowners Association (HOA) for any additional approvals, as some subdivisions may have extra requirements. ### Plans For the permit, you’ll need to submit a property plot plan (like a survey) showing where the shed will go, including distances to all property lines, and detailed drawings or a manufacturer’s brochure with the shed’s dimensions (length, width, and maximum height). This ensures compliance with local zoning and setback rules. ### Best Materials Given you have cinder blocks and a framing kit, and considering Frisco’s hot, humid climate, here’s what works best: - **Foundation:** Use solid concrete blocks or a concrete slab for stability, especially since Texas soil can shift. If your cinder blocks are hollow, they may crack over time, so consider reinforcing them or opting for a slab. - **Structure:** Your wood framing kit should work if made of good quality lumber, suitable for a 10' x 20' shed. - **Siding:** Vinyl or metal siding is low maintenance and resists humidity well. - **Roof:** Architectural shingles or high-quality metal (like 29-gauge with a 40-year warranty) will handle Texas weather, including potential high winds. With Home Depot nearby, you can easily get additional materials if needed. An unexpected detail is that using hollow cinder blocks might not be durable long-term, so verifying their type is crucial. --- ### Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Building a Storage Shed in Frisco, Texas This note provides a comprehensive overview of building a 10' x 20' storage shed in your backyard in Frisco, Texas, addressing permits, required plans, and optimal materials, with a focus on your existing resources (cinder blocks, framing kit) and local conditions. The analysis is grounded in official city guidelines, industry recommendations, and climate considerations for the region. #### Permit Requirements Frisco, Texas, has clear regulations stating that all accessory structures, including storage sheds, require a building permit prior to construction or placement. This is evident from the city’s FAQ section, which explicitly states, “Yes, all accessory structures require a Building Permit prior to placement or construction” ([Frisco Texas Government FAQ on Permits](https://www.friscotexas.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=450)). Given your shed’s size (10' x 20', or 200 square feet), it falls under this requirement, and there are no apparent exemptions for this size based on available city documentation. However, it’s advisable to contact the Building Inspections Division at 972-292-5301 for confirmation, as local codes can have nuances, especially for larger sheds. Additionally, if your property is part of a subdivision, you should check with your Homeowners Association (HOA), as some may impose further approval processes, particularly for structures visible from common areas. #### Required Plans for Permit Application To obtain the permit, you’ll need to prepare specific plans that meet Frisco’s submittal requirements for accessory structures like sheds. According to the city’s residential alterations and additions submittal guidelines, for a “STORAGE SHED / UTILITY STRUCTURE,” the following are required: | Requirement | Details | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Application Type | Submit online Residential Building Permit Application (Other Home Improvements) | | Documents/Drawings Required | 1. Property’s plot plan (survey). Clearly “mark” the proposed placement of the structure (include the distance to ALL property lines). <br> 2. Detailed drawings (or a manufacturer’s brochure) with the proposed structure’s dimensions (length, width, and maximum height). | | Additional Notes | Some subdivisions require HOA approval. Please contact your HOA for approval. | These plans ensure compliance with zoning and setback criteria, which are critical for placement. The plot plan helps verify that the shed meets distance requirements from property lines, house, and other structures, while the detailed drawings confirm the shed’s dimensions and design. For further assistance, you can email [email protected] or start the application process at Frisco Plans and Permits ([Residential Alterations and Additions Submittal Requirements](https://www.friscotexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4038/Residential-AlterationsAdditions-Submittal-Requirements-PDF)). #### Best Materials for the Shed Given your resources (cinder blocks, framing kit) and the local climate in Frisco, Texas (hot summers, humid conditions, and potential for strong winds), selecting durable, low-maintenance materials is essential. Here’s a breakdown based on industry recommendations and Texas-specific insights: - **Foundation:** You mentioned having cinder blocks, which can be used for a shed foundation, but there are important considerations. Research indicates that while cinder blocks (often hollow concrete masonry units) can serve as an on-grade foundation, they are best for smaller, lighter sheds (around 160 square feet or less) and require proper installation to prevent shifting ([How to Build a Cinder Block Foundation for a Shed: Guide](https://homesteadsupplier.com/blogs/news/how-to-build-a-cinder-block-foundation-for-a-shed)). However, for a 200 square foot shed, stability is crucial, and hollow cinder blocks may crack under weight over time, especially with Texas’s expansive soil that can shift with moisture changes. It’s recommended to use solid concrete blocks instead, placed at corners and along walls with no more than 4-6 feet between blocks, ensuring they are level ([Shed Foundations 101: Shed Base Tips, Best Materials & More](https://www.baldeaglebarns.com/blog/shed-foundation-materials-and-tips)). If your blocks are hollow, consider filling them with concrete or opting for a concrete slab foundation for long-term durability. Alternatively, a gravel pad with blocks can work, but preparation is key to prevent moisture issues. - **Structure:** You have a framing kit, which likely consists of pre-cut wood pieces for the shed’s frame. Given Texas weather, quality lumber is critical for structural integrity. Industry sources emphasize using high-grade lumber for wall studs and roof trusses, avoiding defects like bark edges, to ensure the shed can withstand high winds and storms common in the region ([Storage Sheds In Texas - 5 Quality Features Of Texas Sheds](https://www.lonestarstructures.com/blog/5-features-of-quality-storage-sheds-in-texas/)). Assuming your framing kit is made of such lumber and is designed for a 10' x 20' shed, it should be suitable. If unsure, you can supplement with additional lumber from Home Depot, which is conveniently within 1 mile, to reinforce the frame. - **Siding:** For siding, vinyl or metal are recommended due to their low maintenance and resistance to humidity, which is important in Frisco’s climate. Vinyl resists fading and cracking from UV exposure, while metal is durable but can get hot in summer, so proper insulation may be needed ([The Best Materials for Building Sheds in Arizona](https://www.urbanshedconcepts.com/the-best-materials-for-building-sheds-in-arizona/)). Wood siding is an option but requires regular maintenance to prevent rot, which might be less practical given your resources and the climate. - **Roof:** For roofing, architectural shingles are preferred over traditional 3-tab shingles for their better performance in high winds and longer lifespan, as noted by Texas shed builders ([Storage Sheds In Texas - 5 Quality Features Of Texas Sheds](https://www.lonestarstructures.com/blog/5-features-of-quality-storage-sheds-in-texas/)). If opting for metal, choose a 29-gauge with a 40-year warranty for durability. This ensures the roof can handle Texas storms, which often include strong winds and heavy rain. An important detail to note is that using hollow cinder blocks for the foundation might seem cost-effective, but it could lead to structural issues over time, which is an unexpected consideration for many DIY builders. Verifying whether your blocks are solid or hollow is crucial, and if hollow, reinforcing them or choosing a different foundation method could save future headaches. With Home Depot nearby, you have easy access to additional materials like solid concrete blocks, vinyl siding, or roofing supplies if needed, making it feasible to adjust your plans based on the above recommendations. #### Conclusion Building your shed involves navigating permit requirements, preparing detailed plans, and selecting materials suited to Frisco’s climate and your existing resources. Ensure you contact the city for permit specifics, check with your HOA if applicable, and prioritize durability with solid foundations and quality framing, siding, and roofing materials. This approach will help create a long-lasting storage solution for your backyard. --- ### Key Citations - [Frisco Texas Government FAQ on Permits](https://www.friscotexas.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=450) - [Frisco Texas Building Inspections](https://www.friscotexas.gov/395/Building-Inspections) - [Residential Alterations and Additions Submittal Requirements](https://www.friscotexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4038/Residential-AlterationsAdditions-Submittal-Requirements-PDF) - [Storage Sheds In Texas - 5 Quality Features Of Texas Sheds](https://www.lonestarstructures.com/blog/5-features-of-quality-storage-sheds-in-texas/) - [Backyard Bases on Shed Foundations](https://www.backyardbases.com/blog/can-you-put-a-shed-on-cinder-blocks/) - [How to Build a Cinder Block Foundation for a Shed: Guide](https://homesteadsupplier.com/blogs/news/how-to-build-a-cinder-block-foundation-for-a-shed) - [Shed Foundations 101: Shed Base Tips, Best Materials & More](https://www.baldeaglebarns.com/blog/shed-foundation-materials-and-tips) - [The Best Materials for Building Sheds in Arizona](https://www.urbanshedconcepts.com/the-best-materials-for-building-sheds-in-arizona/)