Bowling Green, KY Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Bowling Green Building Division administrative practice exempts a one-story detached residential accessory structure under 200 square feet from the building permit requirement when no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical service is added. Sheds 200 square feet or larger require a building permit (no fee charged for residential accessory structures under 200 sq ft; commercial accessory structures under 120 sq ft are likewise no-fee). Electrical service to any storage unit or garage requires a separate electrical permit. Zoning rules still apply regardless of permit threshold: Joint Zoning Ord. § 4.4.5.E(1) requires that no accessory building extend beyond the front facade of the principal structure (the wall containing the front door); on corner lots, accessory structures may not be closer to the side street than the required front yard depth. Section 4.4.5.E(2) caps accessory structure height at the tallest point of the principal structure (with an exception in unincorporated AG/RR/R-E zones of 1+ acres). Section 4.4.5.E(3) caps the total area of all accessory buildings at 100% of the principal building floor area (with the same county-lot exception). Section 4.4.5.E(4) prohibits using mobile homes, buses, RVs, trailers, freight containers, coolers, or vehicles as accessory structures unless modified to meet building codes. The accessory structure setback table in § 4.4.5.B shows 5 feet from side and rear lot lines in RS-1 districts; fences are not subject to the accessory setback. Sheds may not be used as habitable space.