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

Revised: August 2010

 printer-friendly 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

  1. Must be located at least 5 feet from the rear and side lot lines (15 feet from a corner side lot line.)
  2. Must be located outside of any easement.
  3.  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.
  4. Cannot exceed 800 square feet.
  5. All accessory structures, total square footage, cannot exceed 30% of the rear yard (the area behind the house, for example.)
  6. Building height in residentially zoned district:
    • Garage with hip or gable roof cannot exceed 14 feet, measured to the midpoint between the roof ridge and eave.
    • Other garages and accessory buildings cannot exceed 12 feet, measured to the midpoint between the roof ridge and eave.
    • In no case can the accessory building/structure exceed the height of the principal building/structure.
  7. Must be anchored.
  8. May not be placed on raised blocks or piers / must rest directly on grade.
 

Application Requirements

  1. Building permit application, filled out.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Grading plan, may be required.
 

Inspections

  1. Slab/foundation, prior to pouring concrete.
  2. Rough frame.
  3. Rough electrical, if applicable.
  4. Building final.
  5. Electrical final, if applicable.
 

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