Porter County, IN Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Section 5.06 (AS-03) of the Unified Development Ordinance sets a sliding cap on accessory structures, sheds included, in residential zoning districts. A lot smaller than 10,000 square feet may have only one accessory structure; a lot between 10,000 square feet and two acres may have two; and a lot larger than two acres may have up to three. Structures used strictly for agriculture are exempt from the count. Combined floor area for all accessory structures on the lot cannot exceed 1,300 square feet or 2 percent of the lot's square footage, whichever produces the larger number, and the exterior finish of each shed or garage must match or closely resemble the siding and facade of the house, per Section 5.06(C); agricultural buildings are exempt from that appearance rule too.

The companion general rule at Section 5.04 (AS-01) governs placement: accessory structures cannot go in the front yard, and cannot sit between the house and the street right-of-way (Section 5.04(F)). A shed also cannot be built on a lot before the primary residence exists, except when the structure serves agricultural use (Section 5.04(D)). Section 5.04(C) separately bars using a mobile home, manufactured home, RV, semi-trailer, shipping container, boat, or motor vehicle as an accessory structure, and bars using any accessory structure for a home occupation. Before construction, the property owner must obtain an Improvement Location Permit under Section 10.11, which confirms the plan conforms to the UDO before a Building Permit is issued.