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McHenry County, IL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Shed permit rules in McHenry County, IL, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.

Key Facts

Classified as
Detached accessory structure
R-1/R-2/R-3 flat roof
Max 14 feet
R-1/R-2/R-3 pitched roof
Max 18 feet
Setback
Minimum 10 feet from lot line
Permit
Building permit required

Summary

A carport is an accessory structure under the McHenry County UDO. In R-1, R-2 and R-3 residential districts detached accessory structures are limited to 14 feet (flat/mansard roof) or 18 feet (pitched roof) tall, and must sit at least 10 feet from any lot line.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of McHenry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

In the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts, detached accessory structures are limited to fourteen (14) feet in height for a flat or mansard roof design, and eighteen (18) feet in height for a pitched roof design.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The UDO treats a carport as a detached accessory structure subject to § 16.56.050A. It must be located at least 10 feet from any lot line and is prohibited in the effective street yard unless set back 50 feet or allowed as a permitted encroachment. Detached accessory structure heights are capped by district: 14 feet flat/mansard or 18 feet pitched in R-1/R-2/R-3, 20 feet in estate and commercial districts, and 24 feet on agricultural parcels under five acres. Heights are measured to the highest point of the structure. A building permit is required; incorporated cities regulate carports under their own codes.

Violations & Fines

Zoning Enforcement Officer enforces the UDO; a carport exceeding height limits or violating setbacks needs a variation or must be altered or removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can my carport be?
In R-1, R-2 and R-3 districts detached accessory structures are limited to 14 feet for a flat/mansard roof and 18 feet for a pitched roof, per UDO § 16.56.050A.2.a.
Can a carport go in my front yard?
No. Accessory structures are prohibited in an effective street yard unless located at least 50 feet from the street lot line or allowed as a permitted encroachment.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in McHenry County

ADU RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsTiny HomesSome RestrictionsGarage ConversionsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew Restrictions

All McHenry County rules

How McHenry County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois accessory structures overview

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