Land records · Parcel maps · October 6, 2026
What Is an Accessory Structure in Zoning?
What is an accessory structure? A detached shed, garage, or other building secondary to the main use of a lot. Zoning limits on size, height, and setbacks.
What is an accessory structure? In zoning, an accessory structure is a building or structure on the same lot as the main building that serves a use secondary to the main use. Common examples include sheds, detached garages, workshops, gazebos, carports, and pool houses. Zoning codes regulate accessory structures separately from main buildings, often with limits on size, height, location on the lot, and how many are allowed. Rules vary by community. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Examples
| Accessory structure | Notes |
|---|---|
| Storage shed | Often small with reduced setbacks |
| Detached garage | May have size or height limits |
| Workshop or studio | Limited use, often no living space |
| Gazebo or pergola | May count toward coverage |
| Pool or pool house | Often regulated as accessory |
| Accessory dwelling unit | Treated separately in many codes |
ADUs are a special category with their own rules. See can I build an ADU on my lot.
Common zoning rules
- Location: often only in side or rear yards, not the front.
- Setbacks: often reduced for small structures. See how close to property line can I build a shed.
- Height: often lower than for houses.
- Size: may be limited by square footage or percentage of the main house.
- Lot coverage: total buildings may be capped.
- Number: some codes limit the number of accessory buildings.
- Timing: usually cannot be built before the main building.
Permits
Many building codes exempt small one-story detached accessory structures, often under a certain floor area, from a building permit. Zoning rules and setbacks still apply, and electrical or plumbing work needs permits. Check with your building department. See how to find building permits for a property.
Use restrictions
Accessory structures usually cannot be used as separate dwellings unless permitted as ADUs. Running a business from one may need a home occupation permit.
HOA rules
HOAs and deed restrictions may limit sheds and outbuildings more strictly than zoning.
Finding setbacks
Check the zoning code and any plat notes. See how to find building setbacks.
Before you build
Start by confirming your zoning district and reading the accessory structure section of the code. Measure the distance from the planned location to property lines using a survey rather than a fence, which may not be on the line. Check whether the structure would sit in an easement; utility and drainage easements often prohibit buildings. Ask whether the size triggers a building permit, and confirm whether electrical service requires a separate permit. Taking these steps avoids orders to move or remove a new shed or garage.
Existing structures
Older sheds and garages that do not meet current rules may be legal nonconforming if they were built legally. Replacing them may require meeting current standards.
Bottom line
An accessory structure is a detached building secondary to the main use of a lot, like a shed or garage. Zoning regulates its location, setbacks, size, and use, and some small structures don’t need building permits. Check zoning, permits, and HOA rules before building. Find county zoning offices via the Platbookmapper map.
What is an accessory structure FAQ
Is a shed an accessory structure?
Yes, sheds are common accessory structures.
Do accessory structures need permits?
Larger ones do; small ones may be exempt from building permits.
Can I live in an accessory structure?
Usually not unless it is permitted as an ADU.
Can I build an accessory structure before the house?
Often not; many codes require the main building first.
Where can accessory structures be placed?
Usually side or rear yards within setbacks.