Residential Building Inspector Practice Exam

Which is a condition under which a detached accessory structure may be built without a permit?

1. Located within a specified property line distance

2. When it is less than three stories tall

3. Its total area does not exceed 200 square feet

4. When it is intended for storage purposes

The correct answer is: Its total area does not exceed 200 square feet

A detached accessory structure may often be built without a permit when its total area does not exceed 200 square feet. Many local building codes have provisions that exempt small structures from requiring a permit, recognizing that very small accessory buildings typically have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment and infrastructure. This threshold is common because it helps streamline the permitting process while ensuring that larger structures, which could pose potential issues related to safety, drainage, or zoning, still require oversight. While other factors like property line distances or intended use can play a role in determining whether a permit is needed, the specific size limitation of 200 square feet is widely established in many jurisdictions as a key factor for exemption. Smaller structures are easier to construct without professional oversight and tend to meet safety and zoning requirements inherently by their size and simplicity.