Evansville, IN Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Evansville, IN, 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
- Detached shed setback
- 2 feet from lot line
- Size rule
- subordinate to main house
- Timing rule
- can't predate the house
- Permit needed
- improvement location permit
Summary
Evansville requires detached sheds and other residential accessory structures to sit at least two feet from any side or rear lot line and stay smaller than the main house.
In a rear or side yard, all residential accessory structures not attached to or part of the principal residential structure shall be located at least two feet from any lot line. All residential accessory uses attached to or part of the principal residential structure must meet all minimum requirements as established by EMC 18.130.010 and Table A.
(6) Accessory structures must not be erected prior to the principal residential structure.
(7) No structure shall be located in or over any easement or within the right of entry of any regulated drain as defined in IC 36-9-27. [Ord. G-2017-08 § 1, passed 6-14-17; Ord. G-2017-06 § 3, passed 4-25-17; Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-84-36, passed 11-26-84; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 3, § 6; 1982 Code § 153.021; 1983 Code § 15.153.021.]
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
EMC 18.130.070 governs sheds, detached garages, and other accessory structures citywide. A detached accessory structure not attached to the house must sit at least two feet from any side or rear lot line, while one that's attached must meet the same full setbacks as the house itself under the district's Table A. Accessory structures also have to stay subordinate in height and area to the principal home, can't be erected before the house is built, and, if placed on an adjacent vacant lot under common ownership, must go up without a permanent foundation or utilities and can't be used as living space.
Violations & Fines
A shed built closer than two feet to a lot line, or erected before the house exists, is a Title 18 violation the Area Plan Commission can require corrected through an improvement location permit hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to my property line can I put a shed in Evansville?
Can I build a shed before my house is built in Evansville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
How Evansville compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Evansville to another location·View the Indiana accessory structures overview
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