Neenah, WI Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Neenah's Community Development Department - Building Inspections Division regulates sheds as accessory structures and publishes the rules in the Garages and Storage Sheds handout administered out of City Hall at 211 Walnut Street, Neenah, WI 54956 (920-886-6130). City ordinances allow one (1) garage, one (1) storage shed and one (1) gazebo per property. Storage sheds are limited to 200 gross square feet, a maximum wall height of 10 feet on two elevations, and a maximum overall height of 15 feet; an addition to an existing shed is permitted only if the entire completed structure stays at or under 200 square feet. Setback rules depend on the shed's distance from the principal dwelling. A shed located 5 feet to 10 feet from the dwelling, or more than 10 feet from the dwelling, needs a 3-foot minimum rear yard, a 3-foot minimum side yard (or 6 feet if it is built in the actual side yard of the home), and a 25-foot minimum front-yard setback; such structures may be built on a 4-inch concrete slab. A shed sitting within 5 feet of the dwelling is treated as part of the principal building and must meet the dwelling's setbacks: 30-foot minimum rear yard, 6-foot minimum side yard, 16-foot aggregate side yard, and a 25-foot minimum front yard, with frost-protected footings and foundation and in most cases fire-rated construction. Corner-lot setback rules must be obtained directly from the Building Inspector. A scaled plot plan showing the proposed building's size, location, distances to other structures, and distances to all lot lines must be submitted before any permit is issued. Sheds remain subject to Wisconsin Statute 62.23 zoning authority and the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code through Winnebago County for any electrical or plumbing work.