Green Bay, WI Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Green Bay's Community and Economic Development Department - Inspections Division regulates sheds as detached residential accessory structures under Section 44-590 (Residential accessory buildings) of the Green Bay Municipal Code. The published Shed Permit Application Guide and Table 44-4 set the controlling rules. First, permits: a building permit is not required if the shed is less than 50 square feet, but zoning still applies. Second, location: Section 44-590(c)(1) requires detached accessory structures to be located to the side or rear of the principal building and prohibits them in the required front yard or in any side yard abutting a street. Third, setbacks under Table 44-4 for one- and two-family lots: 55-foot front yard, 4-foot side yard, 4-foot rear yard, and 3 feet between structures; lots less than 60 feet wide need only a 2-1/2-foot side yard, and lots less than 90 feet deep need only a 2-1/2-foot rear yard. Fourth, size and number: each one- or two-family lot is allowed two detached structures, with the first up to 1,000 square feet per dwelling unit and the second up to 150 square feet. Fifth, height: maximum 16 feet to the peak with a 10-foot maximum side wall height. Sixth, lot coverage: no more than 30 percent of the required rear yard may be covered by accessory structures, and at least 50 percent of the lot must remain pervious green space or a variance is required. Seventh, materials: metal-exterior sheds are capped at 120 square feet in residential zones unless a conditional use permit is granted under Section 44-590(c)(3). Eighth, design: Section 44-590(a) requires the design, exterior materials, roof style, and colors to be similar to or commonly associated with the main residence. Ninth, fire separation: Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 321.08 requires a 3/4-hour fire-rated wall and 1/3-hour rated openings if the shed sits less than 5 feet from the dwelling or less than 3 feet from a property line. Anchoring is required under the Shed Permit Application Guide regardless of size. Permits are administered by the Inspections Division at 100 N. Jefferson Street, Room 608, (920) 448-3300.