Rowlett, TX Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Rowlett, TX, 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
- Size cap
- Lot coverage limit or 35% of rear yard
- Front-yard height cap
- 7 feet
- Rear-yard side setback
- 3 feet minimum
- Special use permit threshold
- Over 500 sq ft enclosed
Summary
Rowlett, Texas (Dallas/Rockwall County) caps residential accessory buildings at the zoning district's lot-coverage limit or 35% of the rear yard, requires a 3-foot side setback in the rear yard, and mandates a special use permit for any enclosed shed over 500 square feet.
1.The number and size of accessory structures permitted on residential lots shall be regulated by the maximum lot coverage permitted in the zoning district or 35 percent of rear yard, whichever is less.2.Accessory structures shall not exceed the height of the primary structure or the maximum height for the zoning district, whichever is less. However, accessory structures in the front yard shall not exceed seven feet in height.3.Accessory structures located in the front or side yard shall adhere to the same front and side yard setbacks as required for the primary structure.4.When an accessory structure is located in the rear yard, a minimum three foot side setback is required.5.No accessory structure or portion of an accessory structure shall be used as a dwelling.6.Reserved.7.An accessory structure of between 120 square feet and 500 square feet, and which is an enclosed structure, shall have exterior walls constructed of building materials other than metal that are weather resistant, including the roof; provided, however, that if the primary structure on the lot has a metal roof, the accessory structure may also have a metal roof of similar type. A building permit shall be required.8.Any accessory structure in a residential zoning district that is over 500 square feet in size and which is enclosed shall require a special use permit. A building permit shall be required.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 29).
Full Breakdown
Under § 77-303(C)(3)(a) of Rowlett's Development Code, the number and size of accessory structures on a residential lot is capped at the district's maximum lot coverage or 35 percent of the rear yard, whichever is less. Height can't exceed the primary structure or the district's maximum height, and any accessory structure placed in the front yard is capped at 7 feet. A structure placed in the rear yard needs at least a 3-foot side setback. Enclosed structures between 120 and 500 square feet must have non-metal, weather-resistant exterior walls and a building permit; anything over 500 square feet enclosed also requires a special use permit.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a shed that exceeds the lot-coverage/rear-yard cap, ignores the 3-foot rear setback, or tops 500 square feet without a special use permit violates § 77-303(C)(3); the city can require removal, deny a permit, or fine the owner under § 77-1006.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a shed be in Rowlett without extra approval?
How close can a shed sit to my side property line in Rowlett?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rowlett
How Rowlett compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Rowlett to another location·View the Texas accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle shed & carport rules.