Burlington, WI Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Chapter 315 of the City of Burlington Code sets the dimensional and locational limits for storage and tool sheds. Tool and storage sheds incidental to a residential use are listed as a permitted accessory use in the RS-2, RD-1, RM-1, and RM-2 residential districts. Location is restricted: an accessory structure may only be placed in the rear yard, never in the required street yard or front yard. Setbacks require the structure to be no closer than three feet to any side or rear lot line and no closer than ten feet to any alley line, although the alley setback may be reduced to the average of the abutting structures' alley setbacks but never less than five feet. Maximum size is governed by a graduated lot-area schedule: lots up to 10,000 sf permit a 720 sf shed, lots up to 15,000 sf permit 800 sf, lots up to 20,000 sf permit 850 sf, and lots of 40,000 sf or more permit 900 sf. The combined footprint of all accessory buildings may not occupy more than 20% of the required rear yard. Height is capped at the height of the principal structure or 25 feet, whichever is less. Building permits are issued by the Burlington Building Department under Chapter 115 (Building Construction) and the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (Wis. Admin. Code Chapters SPS 320-325) for any habitable accessory structure; non-habitable storage sheds still require zoning review for setback and size compliance. The underlying zoning authority traces to Wis. Stat. §62.23, which authorizes Wisconsin cities to adopt zoning ordinances regulating the size, location, and use of accessory buildings.