Springfield, MA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Springfield, MA, 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
- Accessory structure height
- 15 ft (most districts)
- Detached garage side yard
- 10 ft if within 65 ft of street
- Garage-to-house gap
- At least 6 feet
- Governing table
- Table 5-1, Zoning § 5.2.10
Summary
Springfield caps detached accessory structures like sheds at 15 feet in most residential districts and requires a 10-foot side yard for any part of a detached garage within 65 feet of the front lot line.
The required SIDE YARD shall be ten (10) feet for any portion of a detached RESIDENTIAL GARAGE that is less than sixty-five (65) feet from any FRONT LOT LINE. The distance between such detached RESIDENTIAL GARAGE and the PRINCIPAL BUILDING shall be not less than six (6) feet.
6 In the Residential C-2 district, a nonresidential PRINCIPAL BUILDING shall not exceed four (4) stories or sixty (60) feet.
7 In the case of a corner lot, there shall be equal to or greater than fifteen (15) feet between the building and the side property line fronting on a street.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Table 5-1 of Springfield's zoning ordinance limits 'Other Accessory Structure' height to 15 feet in the Residence A-1, A, B, B-1, and C districts (25 feet in Residence C-1 and C-2), separate from the 35-foot cap on houses. A footnote to the same table adds a specific side-yard rule for detached residential garages: any portion of a detached garage within 65 feet of the front lot line needs at least a 10-foot side yard, and the garage must sit at least 6 feet from the principal building. Sheds and other accessory buildings fall under this same 'Residential Garages and Other Accessory Buildings' yard table, so a shed's site plan needs to show its distance from lot lines and from the house.
Violations & Fines
Building a shed or garage that exceeds the height limit or crowds the required side yard is a zoning violation, carrying a $100 fine for a first offense, $300 for repeat or continuing daily offenses, or a court injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my shed be in Springfield, MA?
How close to the property line can I put a detached garage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
How Springfield compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts accessory structures overview
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