That on Nantucket, each property is allowed to have a shed that does not count towards the ground coverage allowance. Each of the zoning districts has different ground coverage limitations, ranging from 50% to only 3%, depending upon where the property is located. Generally, the larger lots have a lower % of allowable ground coverage. Pools, decks, and porches (unenclosed) do not count as ground coverage. The shed must be less than 200 square feet on the ground. For instance, a 15’x12′ shed is 180 s.f. or a long, skinny shed could be 10’x20′. The key is that it must conform, of course, to all other requirements such as setbacks and it cannot be anything other than a shed. It cannot have plumbing, and it must not be for human habitation. As you might imagine, we have seen some pretty fancy “sheds” recently – disguised as pool cabanas, garages, workshops, and bunkhouses – none of which are permitted under zoning and building code as sheds. Please remember that any structure on Nantucket is subject to approval by the Historic District Commission, including sheds. For more information, please contact your architect/designer or the Nantucket Building Department.