Manitou Springs, CO Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

1 of the Land Use and Development Code governs accessory structures generally, on top of whatever setback applies from the zone district's dimensional standards table. The gross floor area of every accessory structure on a lot, added together, cannot exceed the gross floor area of the primary structure, so a homeowner cannot build a shed or detached garage larger than the house it serves. No accessory structure can be built and occupied before the principal structure on the lot is completed, which prevents using a shed as a stand-in residence during construction.

10 tied to an active building permit. Construction materials are restricted too: accessory structures must be prefabricated or built with a rigid framework of wood, or inflexible clear glass or plexiglass, and the code bars plastic sheeting, corrugated or reusable steel walls, fabric walls, and tarps outright. Sanitary and kitchen facilities are prohibited in accessory structures other than a legal accessory dwelling unit, keeping ordinary sheds and garages from being converted into unpermitted living space. 18 of the Municipal Code for any accessory structure sited in a mapped hazard area.