Sheds, Barns & Cabin Shells Near Ennis, TX

Inside Ennis city limits: the city requires a permit for accessory buildings over 120 sq ft (an older brochure says over 10 x 10, so confirm at 972-875-6442). Buildings stay 5 ft from side and rear lines, behind the house, out of easements, no more than 24 ft tall, and no larger than 30% of the house's floor area. Over 120 sq ft, metal siding isn't allowed and the roof pitch should match the house; 550 sq ft or more must match its architecture. Lots of one acre or less may have two accessory buildings. Platting in the Ennis ETJ is handled by Ellis County.

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.