Greenfield, WI Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Greenfield's Inspection Services Division regulates sheds as 'Accessory Buildings (except garages)' under the Greenfield Zoning Code (Chapter 21) and publishes the rules in the Accessory Structure Permits handout (Storage Sheds, Gazebos, Detached Garages). Core requirements: (1) Location: no part of an accessory building may be in the front yard; sheds must be in the side or rear yard. (2) Setbacks: a non-garage accessory building must be at least 2 feet from any side or rear lot line and at least 10 feet from any principal structure; if the property abuts an alley, no part of the structure may be closer than 5 feet to the alley right-of-way line. (3) Number and area: a residential lot may have up to two non-garage accessory buildings each not exceeding 250 square feet (cross-references Section 21.03.0206 on principal-building limits). (4) Foundation: accessory buildings of 250 square feet or less are exempt from a concrete-slab foundation in residential districts but must use decay-resistant wood flooring and be securely anchored to the ground; if a slab is provided it must be solid poured Portland cement with a perimeter thickening of 8 inches by 8 inches. (5) Rear-yard coverage: total accessory buildings and structures may not occupy more than 40% of the available rear yard. (6) Height: accessory buildings located in a required rear yard may not exceed the maximum permitted height of the underlying zoning district (typically 15 feet). (7) Permits: a building permit application with two copies of an as-built survey and two copies of construction plans is required, plus a separate electrical permit for any wiring; final inspection (and slab and electrical inspections where applicable) is required. (8) Use: residential accessory uses and structures shall not involve any business, trade or industry. Sheds also remain subject to Wis. Stat. 62.23 zoning authority and the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code for any electrical work.