Blaine, MN Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Under Blaine's accessory-building rules, a zoning permit ($75) is required whenever a shed is larger than 120 square feet or has a poured slab or footings. Sheds of 120 square feet or less without a permanent slab or footings do not require a permit but must still meet all zoning standards. In the R-1 single-family district, side and rear yard setbacks scale with size: a shed of 0-120 square feet needs a 1-foot setback, and a shed of 121-200 square feet needs a 5-foot setback. Accessory buildings larger than 200 square feet are regulated as residential garages. A minimum 3-foot separation is required between sheds and other structures, and sheds may not be located in a drainage or utility easement. Sheds must generally be placed in the rear yard (with limited screened side-yard exceptions). Design matters in Blaine: architectural style, siding, roof material, and roof pitch must be compatible with the home, and the shed roof height cannot exceed the elevation roof height of the home regardless of grade. In the R-1 district, all accessory buildings (including attached and detached garages and sheds) are limited to a combined total of 1,000 square feet, and typically a maximum of two accessory buildings is permitted per property.