Springfield, IL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Springfield, IL, 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
- Code Section
- Zoning Ord. 155.068; obstructions 155.062
- Rear-yard property-line setback
- 3 ft minimum
- Separation from principal building
- 6 ft minimum
- Max height (residential)
- 18 ft
- Allowed location
- Rear yard; not in front yard or required side yard
- Corner-lot side-street setback
- Same as principal building
Summary
Springfield Zoning Ordinance Section 155.068 allows detached sheds and accessory buildings in the rear yard, requiring at least a 3-foot setback from any property line, a 6-foot separation from the principal building, and an 18-foot maximum height in residential districts. Section 155.062 lists accessory sheds among permitted rear-yard obstructions.
(a) General provisions. No garage, accessory building, or structure unless structurally part of the principal building, shall be erected, enlarged, altered, or moved to a location within six feet of the nearest wall of the principal building, nor within the front yard or within the minimum area specified for side yards. No principal building shall be erected, enlarged, expanded, altered, or moved to a location within six feet of the nearest wall of any existing garage, accessory building, or structure. Any garage, accessory building, or structure attached to or made part of, a principal building, or structure shall be considered a part of that principal building and subject to all applicable regulations established for the principal building. (b) In residential districts. (1) A detached garage, accessory building, or structure in a required rear yard shall not be less than three feet from any property line.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 82).
Full Breakdown
068. A detached accessory building unless structurally part of the principal building may not be erected within six feet of the nearest wall of the principal building, nor within the front yard or within the minimum side-yard area. In residential districts, a detached accessory building in a required rear yard must be at least three feet from any property line, and on a corner lot it must be set back from a side street the same distance required for the principal building in that district.
The maximum height for a detached accessory structure in a residential zoning district is 18 feet. 062 confirms that accessory sheds, tool rooms, or other similar buildings or structures for domestic or agricultural storage are permitted obstructions when located in a rear yard. Note that on a corner lot, no obstruction may sit within 20 feet of the corner formed by two street lines unless it is under three feet tall, to preserve visibility. Springfield's building code separately requires a building permit before construction of detached structures such as garages.
Violations & Fines
A shed or accessory building placed closer than three feet to a property line, within six feet of the principal building, in a front yard, or exceeding 18 feet in height violates Section 155.068 and is subject to the zoning penalty cross-referenced at Section 155.999, which can require relocation or removal of the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
How Springfield compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Springfield to another location·View the Illinois accessory structures overview
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