Racine, WI Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Racine's Department of City Development regulates sheds as detached accessory buildings under Chapter 114 (Zoning) of the Racine Municipal Code. In the R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 residential districts, a detached shed must sit at least 60 feet from the front lot line, at least 2 feet from any interior side or rear lot line, and at least 12 feet from a corner side lot line. The shed must be in the rear yard - it may not encroach into a required front or side yard - and must keep at least 5 feet of separation from any other building on the lot unless the building code permits otherwise. Detached accessory buildings are capped at 15 feet measured from finished floor to roof peak, or 75% of the house height (whichever is greater), with an absolute maximum of 20 feet to the roof peak. The combined footprint of accessory structures may not occupy more than 25% of a required rear yard or 50% of the additional space behind the principal building. On corner lots adjacent to a residential district, a shed within 25 feet of the common lot line must observe the setback that applies on the adjoining residential lot. Sheds are subject to Wisconsin Statute 62.23 zoning authority and to the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code under SPS 320 through 325 for any electrical work or finished interior. Building permit applications, Chapter 18 building-code review, and the joint zoning review for Chapter 114 are administered by the City of Racine Department of City Development at City Hall, 730 Washington Avenue, Racine.