Accessory Buildings and Structures
(Sheds, gazebos, detached garages)
Revised: August 2010
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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Must be anchored.
- May not be placed on raised blocks or piers / must rest directly on grade.
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.
Inspections
- Slab/foundation, prior to pouring concrete.
- Rough frame.
- Rough electrical, if applicable.
- Building final.
- Electrical final, if applicable.




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