Terrebonne Parish, LA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Terrebonne Parish Code Sec. 28-74(e), part of the zoning ordinance's supplementary yard regulations, governs sheds and other accessory structures within the zoned areas of Terrebonne Parish (the Houma area). No accessory structure may be erected or altered closer than five feet to any side or rear lot line, and in no district may an accessory structure occupy any part of a required front or side yard. In residential districts, an accessory structure cannot cover more than thirty percent of a required rear yard; in business or industrial districts the limit is the same, except C-4 Districts allow an accessory parking structure to cover up to thirty percent of the rear yard when the main building is a dwelling.

On a corner building site, an accessory structure cannot sit nearer to the intersecting or side street than the front building line observed by the structure on the lot to its rear. The section specifically addresses portable storage units, shipping containers and office trailers: none may be kept as a permanent accessory structure on residential property. A portable storage unit is allowed only when a building permit application for construction or renovation is on file, and it must be removed within thirty days after the construction or renovation ends.

A portable storage unit unconnected to construction that stays on residential property past thirty days needs its own permit from the planning department before it can remain. Sec. 28-73(d) separately caps any accessory structure's height at no more than the height of the main structure on the lot. These rules apply only within the zoned areas of Terrebonne Parish; the rest of the parish falls under Chapter 29 Land Use.