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 Rules

De Pere regulates sheds and other detached accessory buildings under Chapter 14 (Zoning Ordinance), which was rewritten effective January 1, 2023. A shed must be located in the rear yard, conform to the prescribed zoning district setbacks from property lines, sit at least 5 feet from any other building or structure, occupy no more than 50 percent of the required rear yard, and not exceed 850 square feet in total area. Building permits are administered by the De Pere Building Inspection Department.

Key details: Code: Chapter 14 (Zoning). Effective Date: January 1, 2023. Maximum Size: 850 sq ft total. Rear-Yard Coverage Cap: 50 percent. Building Separation: At least 5 feet.

Building a shed without the required zoning approval and Building Inspection permit, placing it in a front or side yard, locating it within an easement, exceeding the 850-square-foot or 50 percent rear-yard caps, or installing it within 5 feet of another building violates Chapter 14. The Planning & Zoning Division and Building Inspection Department may issue stop-work orders, citations, and daily forfeitures, and may order removal or after-the-fact permitting. Enforcement authority derives from Chapter 14 and Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23.

ADU Rules

De Pere regulates accessory dwellings under Chapter 14 (Zoning Ordinance) of the Municipal Code, which was comprehensively rewritten in 2022 and became effective January 1, 2023. Under the rewritten ordinance, backyard cottages and secondary suites are permitted uses in residential districts. Detached accessory buildings generally must be located in the rear yard, conform to prescribed zoning setbacks, sit at least 5 feet from any other building, occupy no more than 50% of the required rear yard, and not exceed 850 square feet total. The Planning & Zoning Division administers Chapter 14 under the city zoning authority of Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23.

Key details: Requirement: Chapter 14 (Zoning) rewrite effective January 1, 2023. ADU Status: Backyard cottages and secondary suites permitted in residential districts. Requirement: Detached accessory buildings: rear yard only. Height: Must be at least 5 feet from any other building or structure. Requirement: Cannot occupy more than 50% of the required rear yard.

Constructing or occupying an accessory dwelling unit, backyard cottage, or secondary suite without zoning approval and a building permit is a violation of Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code. Enforcement under city ordinance and Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23 may include stop-work orders, citations, daily forfeitures, and orders to remove or modify non-conforming structures. Exceeding the 850 sq ft cap, the 50% rear-yard coverage limit, or required setbacks can independently trigger enforcement.

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.