Waukegan, IL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Waukegan, 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
- Max shed size (R1-R5)
- 144 sq ft
- Sheds per lot
- One
- Allowed location
- Rear or interior side yard
- Permit required
- Building permit
- Vehicle storage in shed
- Prohibited
Summary
Waukegan limits residential sheds to one per lot, 144 square feet in the R1 through R5 districts, placed only in the rear or interior side yard, and requires a building permit under UDO Section 9.03.C.32.
32.Shed.a.Location. Sheds are allowed only in rear and interior side yards.b.Number. One shed is allowed per zoning lot.c.Area. In the R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 Districts, the maximum area of a shed is 144 square feet.d.Motor Vehicle Storage. The storage of motor vehicles, including, but not limited to, cars, trucks, and vans, in sheds is prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 113).
Full Breakdown
32 sets four shed standards. Location: sheds are allowed only in rear and interior side yards, so a shed cannot go in a front yard or corner side yard. Number: only one shed is allowed per zoning lot. 03-1, which shows no letter designation there. Motor Vehicle Storage: the storage of motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and vans, in sheds is expressly prohibited. 03-1 requires a building permit ("BP") for sheds in the CR, R1 through R5, B1 through H/C, and L1 through L3 districts, meaning a shed cannot be built without City permit review confirming it meets the 144-square-foot cap, one-per-lot limit, and yard placement rule. 5, which caps combined accessory structures and impervious cover at 40 percent of any yard.
Violations & Fines
Building a second shed on one lot, exceeding 144 square feet in an R1 through R5 district, placing a shed in the front or corner side yard, storing a car, truck, or van inside a shed, or skipping the required building permit violates Section 9.03.C.32 and Table 9.03-1 and is subject to code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can my backyard shed be in Waukegan?
Do I need a permit to build a shed in Waukegan?
Can I store my car in my backyard shed in Waukegan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waukegan
How Waukegan compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Waukegan to another location·View the Illinois accessory structures overview
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