Denver, CO: backyard pod and shed permit line

Denver is the one rule in this set that names an electrical allowance: up to two lights and two receptacles, with a valid electrical permit. Its wording also says non-conditioned, so a pod with a heater or mini-split sits outside the text as written. Height is checked twice, at the top plate (8 ft) and at the highest point (14 ft).

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

From Denver Community Planning and Development, read Nov 5, 2026.

The conditions, one by one

Size line	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
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.

Size line

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

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.

Also on the page

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

Pod sizes against this line

33 of 36 pod sizes are inside the 200 sq ft line by floor area. 3 are over.

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

3 of those ship pre-wired (Autonomous). The rule names power, so the wiring condition applies to them even though the size fits.

Second check

permitmint.com Denver shed guide lists 200 sq ft (agrees on the number).

This page repeats the published rule and does the arithmetic on published sizes. Zoning, HOA rules and setbacks can still block a building the permit rule allows. Ask the office above before you order.