Vestavia Hills, AL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

4 of the Zoning Ordinance governs every detached shed, garage or other accessory building in the city. Timing comes first: no accessory building can be constructed until work on the principal building it serves has already begun, and it cannot be used unless the principal building is also in use, which stops a homeowner from putting up a shed on a vacant lot ahead of the house. 2 confine accessory structures to the rear yard, at least ten feet from the principal dwelling; the side yard setback matches whatever the applicable district requires of the main house, and the rear yard setback is a flat fifteen feet from the rear lot line.

3; a taller accessory building needs a Special Exception granted by the Board of Zoning Adjustment. 4 also controls appearance: if the accessory building is a detached minor structure with masonry or frame walls and a roof, its materials must match the type and kind used on the principal structure, so a brick house cannot be paired with a vinyl-sided shed. The ordinance excludes from the accessory-structure category any use not on the same lot, any use not customarily incidental to a permitted use, any use detrimental to a residential neighborhood, and an accessory dwelling unless this Ordinance specifically permits one.