La Plata County, CO Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Section 18-35 of the La Plata County Code amends Chapter 1 of the 2024 International Building Code, and its item 105.2 lists the work exempt from building permits in unincorporated La Plata County, Colorado. The first item is the shed exemption: a one-story, detached accessory building used solely as a tool and storage shed, well house, or similar use, not for human occupancy. It must stay within 200 square feet of floor area by exterior wall dimensions, 12 feet in height to the peak of the roof, and eave overhangs no greater than 16 inches. Exempt buildings are limited to four per parcel of land, and utility connections are limited to electrical connections for simple lighting.

The same list exempts fences not over 8 feet high. A building permit does not replace other approvals: item 105.1 says issuance of a building permit does not supersede the requirement to obtain additional permits for grading, temporary uses or structures, floodplain development, land use, and activities of interest under the County Code.

Setbacks are a separate section. Section 70-6 sets minimum setbacks for structures and improvements which require a building permit. Table 70-6 A lists front, side, and rear setbacks of 20 feet, 10 feet, and 10 feet for agricultural and residential lots over 10,000 square feet, and fences and screening, buffering, privacy, and retaining walls are exempt from the setback requirements. Above-grade architectural features such as decks and eaves can encroach up to five feet into a required setback. Under Section 73-2 I.F, sheds or garages for personal use, or construction related storage during construction of the primary residence, can be built before the principal use.