Richardson, TX Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

2, exempts from a permit one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the roof area does not exceed 40 square feet. A shed over that footprint needs a building permit through the Building Inspection Department. Zoning controls apply regardless of permit status: under Appendix A, the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of 1956, Article IV (R-1500-M Residential District), Sec. 3, accessory buildings are capped at one story, with a 12-foot height limit for those of 150 square feet or less and a 25-foot limit for larger ones.

Sec. 4(f)(3) requires a detached garage, carport, or any other accessory building to meet the same side setback as the principal building, except a minimum 3-foot setback applies in the required rear setback area adjacent to an interior side lot line. Sec. 4(g)(2) sets the rear-setback rule directly: an accessory building extending into the rear setback needs a minimum 3-foot setback from the side lot line and 3 feet from the rear lot line, or 18 inches if the rear lot line adjoins an alley.

Sec. 2(b)(2) also imposes a materials rule once a shed exceeds 150 square feet: each exterior wall must be at least 35 percent masonry, while smaller sheds may be nonmasonry or all-metal with a baked-on or prepainted finish. These same numeric standards for accessory buildings, height, setback, and masonry, repeat verbatim across Richardson's other single-family residential zoning articles (R-2000-M and beyond).