How Doylestown Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Doylestown maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Doylestown falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Carport Rules

Doylestown Borough requires a building permit for any carport. Detached carports are treated as accessory buildings under Chapter 27: maximum 15 ft in height, located in a rear yard, set back at least the side-yard distance for the district, and at least 15 ft farther back from the street than the rearmost wall of the principal dwelling.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes - Borough building permit. Max Height (detached): 15 ft. Location: Rear yard only. Setback from Street: 15 ft behind rear wall of dwelling. Side Setback: Match district side-yard requirement.

Building or installing a carport without a Borough permit is a zoning and construction-code violation enforceable by the Building & Zoning Department, with possible stop-work orders, fines, and a requirement to obtain a retroactive permit or remove the structure. Confirm specific fine amounts with the department at (215) 345-4140.

Garage Conversions

Doylestown Borough does not currently permit garage conversions to independent dwelling units (ADUs not recognized). Conversions to non-dwelling uses require building permits and zoning compliance. Must maintain required off-street parking per zoning district.

Key details: ADU Conversion: Not currently permitted. Non-Dwelling Use: Building permit required. Parking: Must maintain required spaces. State Code: PA UCC (Act 45).

Unpermitted conversion: zoning violation. Creating dwelling unit in accessory structure: prohibited.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Doylestown actively enforces its garage conversions requirements.

Shed Rules

Doylestown Borough allows one storage shed up to 100 sq ft / 8 ft height with reduced setbacks (2.5 ft rear/side). Sheds over 100 sq ft classified as buildings with full setback requirements. Some zoning districts prohibit storage sheds entirely.

Key details: Small Shed: 100 sq ft max, 8 ft height. Setback (small): 2.5 ft rear and side. Limit: One per property. Over 100 sq ft: Full building setbacks apply.

Shed without permit: zoning violation. Exceeding size/height: must modify or remove. Prohibited in some districts.

ADU Rules

Doylestown Borough does not currently recognize ADUs as distinct permitted uses. Zoning Director confirms no self-sufficient accessory dwelling provision. Guest suites without full kitchens may be possible. Borough is revisiting its comprehensive plan, which may address ADUs.

Key details: ADUs Permitted: Not currently recognized. Guest Suites: May be possible (no full kitchen). Comprehensive Plan: Under review. State Law: PA MPC allows, does not mandate.

Constructing an unpermitted dwelling unit: zoning violation, possible demolition order.

This is one of the stricter rules in Doylestown's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Doylestown is tougher than many cities when it comes to accessory structures. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Doylestown, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Doylestown's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.