Accessory Buildings and Structures
(Sheds, gazebos, detached garages)

Revised: March 2007

Accessory Buildings and Structures

Detached accessory buildings/structures may be located within the rear yard (the area behind a house for example.) Detached accessory buildings/structures are not permitted within the side or front yard (that area in front of a house or directly to the side of a house, for example.)

The following regulations apply:

Must be located at least 5 feet from the rear and side lot lines (15 feet from a corner side lot line.)
Must be located outside of any easement.
Must be located at least 5 feet from the nearest wall of the principal structure, measured from vertical wall to vertical wall, along with a 1-hour rated fire wall. Accessory building/structures located between 5 and 10 feet from the nearest wall of the principal building shall be constructed so the impacted walls of the accessory structure are to be of 1-hour fire rated construction.
Must be anchored.
May not be placed on blocks / must be level with grade of property.
Cannot exceed 800 square feet.
All accessory structures, total square footage, cannot exceed 30% of the rear yard (the area behind the house, for example.)
Building height in residentially zoned district:
1. Garage with hip or gable roof – cannot exceed 14 feet
2. Other garages and accessory buildings – cannot exceed 12 feet.
3. In no case can the accessory building/structure exceed the height of the principal building/structure.

Application Requirements:

Building permit application, filled out.
Plat of survey, 2 copies. Draw on the plat of survey the location of the accessory building/structure, including dimensions, distance to principal building, distances to lot lines.
Plans, 2 sets. Include a wall section, 4 elevations of building, floor plan, indicate electrical work, wall and building height and top of foundation elevation.
Grading plan, may be required.