Fitchburg, WI Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Section 22-56 of the Fitchburg zoning ordinance splits residential accessory buildings into two size tiers with separate standards. Under subsection (6), detached garages, carports and storage buildings larger than 400 square feet in floor area must comply with the district's setback standards, cannot be taller than the principal structure on the lot, and in no case can exceed 15 feet in height; they also count against the lot's maximum lot coverage and cannot be placed forward of the front face of the house. Subsection (7) covers the smaller category, storage buildings, sheds, enclosures and pet houses or runs, which must observe the district's front setback and stay at least four feet from a side or rear lot line.

Like the larger structures, these smaller buildings cannot be taller than the principal structure, cannot exceed 15 feet in height in any case, are capped at 400 square feet of floor area for each structure, count toward maximum lot coverage, and cannot stand forward of the front face of the principal structure. The two subsections work together as a single size ladder: once an accessory building crosses 400 square feet it moves from the shed standard into the garage/carport standard, but the height cap, front-face restriction and lot-coverage counting apply either way.

The R-R Rural Density District is again an exception; under § 22-206(2) its accessory structures may stand in front of the principal structure and rise to 35 feet.