Shed permit rules in Brookfield, WI — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Sheds and other accessory buildings in the City of Brookfield are regulated by Chapter 17 (Zoning), with key residential standards in Section 17.136 (Miscellaneous Use and Design Restrictions). Sheds must be in the rear yard, are limited to 11 feet in height, must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, and at least 10 feet from the principal dwelling. Total accessory coverage is capped at 20 percent of the rear yard or 625 square feet, whichever is less, and only one accessory building is allowed by right in residential districts. A building permit is required, and screening from the street and lot lines is required.
Chapter 17 of the City of Brookfield Municipal Code is the City's Zoning Code, adopted under the authority of Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23. Section 17.136 (Miscellaneous Use and Design Restrictions) and the residential district chapters establish accessory-structure rules for sheds, detached garages, gazebos, garden buildings, and similar uses. Accessory buildings must be located in the rear yard. The minimum side and rear yard offsets for detached garages and yard maintenance buildings, including sheds, are 5 feet, and accessory structures must sit at least 10 feet from the principal structure on the lot. Maximum height for an accessory structure is 11 feet. Total accessory coverage in the rear yard cannot exceed 20 percent of the rear yard area, with a hard ceiling of 625 square feet. Only one accessory building is permitted in residential districts unless a Conditional Use Permit is granted. Sheds 120 square feet or less may use the 5-foot lot-line offset in Section 17.136; larger accessory buildings must meet the principal-structure offset for their zoning district. Accessory buildings must be screened from view from the street and all property lines via landscaping, trellises, or other measures, and must use design and finish materials consistent with the surrounding area. A building permit is required for all accessory buildings. The applicant must submit a site plan showing the structure's exact location with setbacks to all property lines and distance from the principal structure, plus building plans and a description or rendering of materials to the Building Inspector. Diggers Hotline (811 / 800-242-8511) must be called at least three working days before any excavation. Floor surface requirements - including the requirement for a concrete pad in many cases - and structural standards are reviewed by Inspection Services as part of permit issuance.
Building a shed without a permit, exceeding the 11-foot height, missing the 5-foot lot-line offset or the 10-foot offset from the principal building, exceeding 625 square feet or 20 percent of rear yard coverage, or building more than one accessory structure without a Conditional Use Permit are Chapter 17 violations. Enforcement actions include stop-work orders, citations, daily forfeitures under Chapter 17, and orders to relocate, modify, or remove the structure. Failure to call Diggers Hotline before excavation is a separate state-law violation. Unresolved violations are referred to Waukesha County Circuit Court.
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield enforces quiet hours in this affluent Milwaukee suburb. 40,000+ residents in upscale residential communities. Major retail corridor along Bluemoun...
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield enforces street parking restrictions locally. Winter alternate-side parking critical. No statewide consecutive parking limit. WI Stat. §346.503 ap...
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Waukesha County.
See how other cities in Waukesha County handle shed rules.
See how Brookfield's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.