Douglas County, CO Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Douglas County, CO, 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
- Accessory building height cap
- 20 feet
- Principal building height cap
- 35 feet
- Rear setback, 0.5-1.0 acre lots (accessory)
- 15 feet
- Rear setback, 1.0+ acre lots (accessory)
- 15 feet
- Side setback, lots 0.5 acres or less
- 5 feet
- Civil penalty for violation
- $500-$1,000 + $100/day
- Notice to cure before penalties
- at least 10 days
Summary
In unincorporated Douglas County, an accessory building such as a shed is capped at 20 feet tall under Zoning Resolution Section 1-714, while the principal house tops out at 35 feet. Side and rear setbacks scale with lot size under Section 1-712, and lots over half an acre carry a separate 15-foot accessory setback from the rear line.
§ 1-712. Minimum Setbacks. [3/8/2022] ... Greater than 0.5 acres and less than 1.0 acre: Side Lot Line 10*; Rear Lot Line 20*; Accessory: 15*. ... 1.0 acre or greater: Side Lot Line 15*; Rear Lot Line 25*; Accessory: 15*. ... § 1-713. Encroachments. [6/14/2006; 3/8/2022] ... 6. Structures that do not require building permits may encroach into a rear setback. Any encroachment into an easement requires permission from the easement holder. § 1-714. Building Height. 1. Maximum building height: A. Principal building: 35 feet. B. Accessory building: 20 feet.
Full Breakdown
5 acres or less, Section 1-712 sets a 5-foot side setback and a 15-foot rear setback for every structure, with no separate accessory line. 0 acre or more the side setback is 15 feet and the rear 25 feet, with the same 15-foot accessory rear allowance. Every setback is measured from the lot line to the wall of the structure, horizontally and perpendicular to the line. Section 1-713 lets some sheds sit closer than the table allows: a structure that does not require a building permit may encroach into a required rear setback, though encroaching into a recorded easement still needs the easement holder's written permission.
The County will not issue a building permit for anything located within an easement absent that written sign-off. Section 1-714 caps the accessory building itself at 20 feet, well under the 35-foot cap on the house. Height limits do not apply to items like chimneys, antennas, or roof-mounted mechanical equipment. The Planning Director, per Section 1-115, enforces these standards countywide, including in unincorporated Highlands Ranch, and may enter and inspect a property with owner consent to check compliance.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 1-114, an owner who builds an out-of-setback or oversized shed and does not fix it after notice faces a $100 civil infraction per violation, plus a separate civil penalty of $500 to $1,000 and a continuing penalty of up to $100 per day until it's corrected. Section 1-115 requires the Director to give written notice with at least 10 days to cure before penalties apply, and the County can also seek an injunction or abatement order to force removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a shed be in unincorporated Douglas County?
How close to my property line can I put a shed?
Does a shed need a Douglas County building permit?
What happens if my shed violates the setback or height rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
How Douglas County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado accessory structures overview
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