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.
Sheds in West Allis are 'Other Accessory Buildings' under Section 19.42 of the West Allis Zoning Code. They are limited to 300 square feet, 15 feet in height, must sit at least 3 feet from any side or rear lot line (5 feet if the rear abuts an alley), at least 10 feet from the principal dwelling, and at least 60 feet from the front lot line.
West Allis regulates sheds and other detached residential accessory buildings under Section 19.42 'Residential Accessory Buildings' of the West Allis Zoning Code (current rules adopted by Ordinance O-2022-0024 and amended by O-2025-0393). Sheds fall under the 'Other Accessory Building' category, which is capped at a maximum size of 300 square feet and a maximum height of 15 feet (detached garages may be larger - up to 1,000 square feet and 18 feet tall - and accessory dwelling units up to 800 square feet and 20 feet tall). Setbacks for any residential accessory building are: 3 feet from any side lot line, 3 feet from the rear lot line if the rear does not abut an alley, 5 feet from the rear lot line if it abuts an alley, 10 feet from the principal building, and a 60-foot front setback (so sheds cannot be placed in the front yard). Statewide, the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code under DSPS 320-325 generally exempts detached one-story accessory buildings under 200 square feet from a state UDC permit, but West Allis still requires zoning compliance and may require a local building permit. Confirm whether a building permit is required for your specific shed size with the West Allis Building Inspections / Code Enforcement Department before installation. West Allis zoning authority derives from Wisconsin Statute 62.23.
A shed installed in the front yard, exceeding 300 square feet, taller than 15 feet, or inside the 3-foot side or rear lot-line setback (5 feet if abutting an alley) violates Section 19.42 of the West Allis Zoning Code and is enforceable by West Allis Code Enforcement and Building Inspections. Typical responses include a written notice of violation, an order to relocate or remove the shed, after-the-fact permit fees, and ongoing forfeitures under the West Allis Revised Municipal Code for continued non-compliance.
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