Storage Sheds, Barns & Offices Near Midlothian, TX

Inside Midlothian city limits: the city's application says every accessory structure needs an approved permit regardless of size, with a site plan and elevations. Buildings go behind the house in the rear yard, 3 ft from side and rear lines under 400 sq ft and 6 ft from 400 to 899 sq ft. Size is capped by lot: on lots under an acre, the lesser of half the home's first floor or 4% of the lot, with one building; on 2 acres or more, 4% of the lot. On lots under an acre, siding and roof must match the house unless screened. The ETJ follows city subdivision rules but not zoning.

Outside city limits (unincorporated Ellis County): Ellis County has required permits outside city limits since the late 1970s. Sheds, barns, and storage buildings of 300 sq ft or more need a county development permit ($75), filed online through MyGovernmentOnline with a site plan or survey and a basic floor plan; one accessory building under 300 sq ft per property is exempt from the fee. A cabin used as a dwelling is a habitable permit ($350) and needs a septic application. Buildings stay 25 ft from local road right-of-way (50 ft on major roads), floodplain sites add $200 and likely an elevation certificate, and permits usually take 5–7 business days. Department of Development: 972-825-5200.

Adding plumbing? New septic (OSSF) systems are $600 through the same department.