West Allis, WI Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in West Allis, WI, 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 size
- 300 sq. ft.
- Max height
- 15 feet
- Front setback
- 60 feet minimum
- Side/rear setback
- 3 feet minimum
- Over 150 sq. ft.
- must match house design
Summary
West Allis limits a detached shed ('Other Accessory Building') to 300 square feet and 15 feet of height, set back 60 feet from the front lot line and 3 feet from the side and rear lines.
No residential accessory building may exceed the minimum and maximum standards set forth in the table below. If any cell is blank, no limit is imposed.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Detached Garage Other Accessory Building Exterior Wall Height (maximum) 20' 10' 10' Height (maximum) Height of principal building, not to exceed 20' Height of principal building, not to exceed 18' 15' Building Coverage (maximum)
50% of principal building, not to exceed 800 sq. ft. 1,000 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft.
Setback from Principal Building (minimum) 10' 10' 10' Front Setback (minimum) See WAMC 19.41 60' 60' Rear Setback - abutting alley (minimum) 5' 5' 5' Rear Setback - not abutting alley (minimum) 3' 3' 3' Side Setback (minimum) 3' 3' 3'
Design Standards. Any residential accessory building in excess of 150 square feet shall be designed and constructed to be compatible with the appearance and construction style of the principal building, including exterior building materials, roof style, and colors.
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. O-2022-0024 on 5/3/2022 Amended by Ord. O-2022-0142 on 10/18/2022 Amended by Ord. O-2023-0031- on 6/6/2023 Amended by Ord. O-2025-0393 on 10/21/2025 Amended by Ord. O-2026-0020 on 2/24/2026
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
Under § 19.42's accessory building table, a shed classed as an 'Other Accessory Building', distinct from a detached garage or accessory dwelling unit, is capped at 300 square feet of building coverage and 15 feet of height. It must sit at least 60 feet back from the front lot line, 10 feet from the principal building, 3 feet from the side lot line, and 3 feet (5 feet if the rear abuts an alley) from the rear lot line. Any accessory building over 150 square feet must also be designed to match the principal building's exterior materials, roof style, and colors.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 19's accessory building standards carries a forfeiture of $25 to $500 per offense plus prosecution costs, with each day of continued violation counted separately under § 19.12.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a shed be in West Allis without extra design rules?
How close to the property line can a West Allis shed sit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
How West Allis compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare West Allis to another location·View the Wisconsin accessory structures overview
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