St. Clair County, IL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in St. Clair County, IL, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- No permit under
- 120 sq ft, one story
- Permit 120-200 sq ft
- $25
- Permit over 200 sq ft
- $120
- Side/rear setback
- 5 ft minimum
- Max height
- 25 feet
Summary
A one-story storage shed of 120 sq ft or less needs no building permit; 120 to 200 sq ft needs a $25 permit and over 200 sq ft a $120 permit. Detached accessory buildings must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
Full Breakdown
The county Building Code (Ch. 7) exempts "One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds... provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet" from a permit (Sec. 7-1-28). A shed 120-200 sq ft carries a $25 permit; over 200 sq ft is $120 (Sec. 7-1-51). Placement is set by the Zoning Ordinance Area/Bulk Schedule (Sec. 40-3-7): detached accessory buildings must be a minimum of 5 feet from interior side and rear lot lines, at least 10 feet from the principal building, and no taller than 25 feet. Single-residence districts allow up to two accessory buildings per lot.
Violations & Fines
Building a shed without a required permit or too close to a lot line is a code violation; the county can require relocation and assess penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed?
How far from the fence line must my shed sit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Clair County
How St. Clair County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare St. Clair County to another location·View the Illinois accessory structures overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.