Shed permit rules in Indianapolis, IN — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Indianapolis defines a shed (mini-barn) as a minor residential structure and requires it to sit at least 5 feet from the rear lot line, meet the district's front and side setbacks, be smaller in footprint than the house, and stay shorter than the primary building.
Sheds are regulated by the Indianapolis-Marion County Consolidated Zoning Ordinance, which defines a 'Mini-barn (or Shed)' as a freestanding, completely enclosed, accessory building constructed of stone, brick, metal or wood designed with a rural character and intended for the storage of personal property solely of the occupants of the primary use on the lot, classified as a 'Minor Residential Structure.' Under Section 743-306-A (General Conditions in the Dwelling Districts), accessory buildings and minor residential structures must comply with several requirements: the cumulative land area covered by the primary building, all accessory buildings, all game courts and all minor residential structures must meet the district's required open space; the land area covered by any one accessory building or minor residential structure must be less than that covered by the primary building; and the height of any accessory building or minor residential structure must be less than the height of the primary building. On lots in the D-A, D-S, D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4, D-5, D-5II and D-8 districts improved with a single-family detached, single-family attached, or two-family dwelling, minor residential structures shall not be located closer to any front or side lot line than the required minimum front and side yard setbacks of the district (or the established front yard setback, whichever is greater), shall not be located closer to any rear lot line than 5 feet, shall comply with the district's minimum side yard requirements independently of the primary building, and shall not encroach on any platted easement. Accessory uses or structures may not be placed on a lot before the primary building is erected. Maximum accessory building height in the dwelling districts is generally 24 to 25 feet depending on the district per the development standards tables in Chapter 744.
Placing a shed before the primary dwelling is built, within 5 feet of the rear lot line, over a platted easement, or larger than the house footprint violates Section 743-306-A and can trigger Department of Metropolitan Development zoning enforcement, including removal or relocation of the structure.
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