Kirkwood, MO Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Kirkwood's accessory-structure standards in Article V of Chapter 25 set the dimensional limits that govern backyard sheds. Section 25-42(h) caps the maximum height of a detached accessory structure serving a single-family home at 24 feet or 1 1/2 stories, and in no case may it exceed the height of the principal building. Section 25-42(i) then limits total coverage: all accessory structures under roof on a single-family lot, including small exempt structures like doghouses, cannot exceed 7% of the total lot area or 1,500 square feet, whichever is less.

Section 25-42(j)(1) sets the baseline setback at a minimum of five feet from all lot lines, though § 25-42(j)(2) requires a larger setback, equal to the district's principal-structure side setback, for any accessory building whose wall or facade runs 25 feet or more. Detached structures must also sit at least 10 feet from the principal building unless the applicable building and fire codes allow a reduced separation. Turning specifically to sheds, § 25-45(h) caps the count directly: detached storage or utility sheds, gazebos, pool houses, greenhouses and similar buildings are limited to a maximum of two such buildings per individual lot, and § 25-45 states these use-specific rules apply in addition to the general § 25-42 requirements.

A shed cannot be built until the principal structure's construction has commenced, per § 25-42(d), and structures under 10 square feet in the side or rear yard are exempt from the article altogether.