Des Plaines, IL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Des Plaines, 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
- Max area
- 225 sq ft
- Max height
- 15 ft, never taller than the house
- Setback
- At least 5 ft from all lot lines; off easements
- Max accessory structures
- 2 per lot (incl. detached garage/carport)
- Permit fee
- $50 (shed)
Summary
Des Plaines limits a residential shed to 225 square feet and 15 feet tall (never taller than the house), set back at least 5 feet from any property line and off all easements, with a maximum of two accessory structures per lot; a building permit is required and the shed must sit on a 4-inch concrete slab or gravel base under City Code 12-8-1.
Permitted Locations and Setbacks: Residential accessory structures cannot be located within 5 feet of the property line or on any easements. Area, Quantity, and Height: The maximum allowed area is 225 square feet. Accessory structures cannot be taller than the principal structure and the maximum height cannot exceed 15 feet in height. The maximum number of accessory structures allowed on each property is two, including a detached garage or carport. Properties with an existing detached garage or carport are only allowed one accessory structure. Other Regulations: Sheds may be placed on a minimum 4" thick concrete slab or on a minimum 4" gravel base. The shed must be anchored to the slab or gravel base. Properties in the R-1 district cannot exceed 60% rear yard lot coverage.
Full Breakdown
' Key requirements: a residential accessory structure cannot be located within 5 feet of any property line or on any easement; the maximum allowed area is 225 square feet; the structure cannot be taller than the principal home and the maximum height cannot exceed 15 feet; and the maximum number of accessory structures allowed on each property is two, including any detached garage or carport (so a property that already has a detached garage or carport may have only one additional accessory structure). Sheds may be placed on a minimum 4-inch-thick concrete slab or on a minimum 4-inch gravel base, and the shed must be anchored to that slab or base.
Properties in the R-1 district cannot exceed 60% rear-yard lot coverage. gov/buildingpermits and select 'Accessory Structure - Shed, Gazebo, Pergola (Residential),' uploading a current Plat of Survey showing the structure's location, dimensions, and distance from all lot lines and other structures, plus construction plans (or manufacturer product details for a prefabricated shed). The shed permit fee is $50. Two inspections are required - a Pre-Pour/Base Inspection and a Final Inspection. m. on Sunday, and applicants should call JULIE (1-800-892-0123) before digging.
Violations & Fines
Building a shed without a permit, over 225 square feet, taller than 15 feet or taller than the house, within 5 feet of a lot line or on an easement, or beyond the two-structure limit violates Section 12-8-1. The Community and Economic Development Department can issue a stop-work order, require the shed to be permitted, relocated, resized, or removed, assess fees and citations, and withhold final inspection approval until it complies; any exception may require a Variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a shed can I build in Des Plaines?
Do I need a permit for a shed in Des Plaines?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Plaines
How Des Plaines compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Des Plaines to another location·View the Illinois accessory structures overview
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