Accessory Structures in De Pere, WI: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in De Pere or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. De Pere has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

Shed & Carport Rules

Any shed, detached garage, gazebo, pergola or other accessory structure in De Pere needs a building permit from the building inspector before it is built, enlarged, altered or repaired, under City Code Sec. 54-3(f)(2). The Code separately defines a 'storage shed' as an unattached accessory structure of 200 square feet or smaller.

Key details: Permit required for: Sheds, detached garages, gazebos, pergolas, fences. Storage shed size threshold: 200 sq ft or smaller, unattached. Permit validity: 1 year from issuance. Issuing authority: Building Inspector. Working without a permit: Triggers added fees under Sec. 54-10(a).

Chapter 54 does not set a dedicated dollar forfeiture for building an accessory structure without a permit, so it falls under the Code's general penalty, Sec. 1-11: $1.00 to $2,000.00 per offense, with each day of the violation counted separately. Section 54-10(a) also lets the building inspector add fees, including late fees and charges for work already underway without a permit.

ADU Rules

De Pere allows one backyard cottage, a detached accessory dwelling unit, per lot occupied by a detached house under Zoning Ordinance Section 14-27. The cottage can't be used as a short-term rental, requires a recorded deed restriction before a permit issues, and either the house or the cottage must stay owner-occupied at least six months a year.

Key details: Number allowed: One backyard cottage per lot. Owner-occupancy: Owner must live on-site 6+ months/year. Before permit issues: Recorded deed restriction required. Rental limit: Short-term rental use prohibited. Resale rule: Cannot be sold separate from house.

Adding a backyard cottage without a permit, exceeding the one-per-lot limit, renting it short-term, or failing to record the required deed restriction is a zoning violation under Section 14-151. The development services director can withhold or revoke the building permit under Section 14-152(2), the city can issue a municipal citation under municipal code Section 1-11, and each day the violation continues after notice is a separate offense under Section 14-151(2).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. De Pere actively enforces its adu rules requirements.

The Bottom Line

De Pere's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming De Pere is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that De Pere can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.