Skokie, IL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Under Skokie Village Code Sec. 118-60, accessory buildings and uses (garages, sheds, and similar detached structures) are allowed only in residential zoning districts, though accessory structures generally are permitted in all districts except where specifically prohibited elsewhere in the chapter. Height is capped at one story or 15 feet, and the wall height from grade to the top of the eave, or the highest point of a flat roof, cannot exceed 10 feet, except that an open roof deck railing may reach 15 feet. The ground floor footprint of all accessory buildings on a lot cannot exceed the ground floor footprint of the principal building, and combined accessory building coverage cannot occupy more than 30% of the rear yard.

A detached garage or other accessory building cannot be used as a residence or in conjunction with a home business, though commercial vehicles may be parked or stored inside one. On setbacks, an accessory building smaller than 50 square feet and built of noncombustible material may abut the principal building, but any larger accessory structure is prohibited in a required front or side yard and cannot sit within 60 feet of the front lot line. In the rear yard, the minimum setback from a lot line is 3 feet, except it must match the required side yard on corner lots, match the required front yard on through lots, and be at least 5 feet from an alley lot line.

Accessory buildings must sit on the same lot as the principal use they serve; a shed cannot be placed on a separate parcel. All of this sits in Article IV, General Provisions, as amended by Ord. No. 19-4-C-4451 (April 15, 2019), the most recent amendment to this section.