Chicopee, MA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Chicopee's zoning chapter regulates sheds and garages as accessory structures. In the Residential C District, § 275-54(D)(7)(b) sets side and rear yard setback minimums and a maximum height for detached accessory structures. Accessory to one-, two- and three-family housing, the minimum side and rear setbacks are three feet. Accessory to multifamily, governmental services and uses by special permit, the minimum side and rear setbacks are 10 feet. Accessory to all uses, the maximum height is 20 feet. Attached accessory structures follow the principal structure's height and setbacks instead (§ 275-54(D)(7)(a)).

The single-family districts use a table. In Residential A (§ 275-52(C)(5)) the Accessory buildings row prints a side yard of 3 feet, a rear yard of 3 feet, maximum coverage of 40% of rear yard and a height of 30 feet. Residential B (§ 275-53(C)(5)) prints the same 3 foot side and rear yards and 40% of rear yard coverage for accessory buildings. The coverage cap is measured against the rear yard, not the whole lot.

Section 275-4 defines ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES as customarily incidental to any principal use permitted in the zoning district. In no case can an accessory use dominate in area, extent or purpose the principal lawful use or building, and except for signs it cannot be located between the principal building and the street line. In the Residence D District, § 275-55 restricts lots to mobile homes and appurtenant storage sheds, garages and other appurtenant uses.

Section 275-28 keeps the yards and courts required by the chapter open and unobstructed to the sky, with cornices, leaders, belt courses, sills and similar ornamental features allowed to project six inches over any yard.