Boone County, IN Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Boone County Code § 157.021(C) lets small yard fixtures like fences and retaining walls go in without any paperwork, but § 157.021(F) draws the line at buildings: garages, carports, enclosed patios, bath houses, gazebos, cabanas, greenhouses, storage sheds and stables over 50 square feet in area all require an application for an ILP certifying that all applicable requirements of the chapter have been met. A shed at or under 50 square feet therefore falls outside the permit requirement, but anything larger, even a prefabricated kit shed, needs the improvement location permit before it goes up.

Under § 157.140, the Area Plan Commission Director issues that ILP, and construction cannot start until it is granted; § 157.142 requires the applicant to submit a certified, dimensioned site plan showing the shed's placement relative to property lines, easements and any wells or septic systems on the lot. Appendix A to Chapter 157 prices an accessory structure permit, sheds included, at $0.10 per square foot of floor area with a $100 minimum, separate from the $55 base fee charged for an addition or the $175 flat fee for a pool.

Because the accessory structure must also stay clearly subordinate in height, area, bulk and purpose to the primary structure under § 157.021(B), an oversized shed that dwarfs the house can be rejected on that basis even if the square footage math otherwise works. An unpermitted shed defaults to the county's general penalty at § 10.99, up to $2,500 for a first violation and up to $7,500 for repeat violations. Lebanon, Zionsville, Whitestown, Jamestown and Thornton run their own shed-permit rules.