How Kaukauna Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Kaukauna maintains 26 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Kaukauna falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Shed Rules

Sheds in Kaukauna are utility storage structures under Chapter 17 of the Zoning Code. One utility storage shed is allowed in addition to a detached garage and the principal structure. Sheds must be a maximum of 170 square feet, located in the rear yard, and anchored to the earth. Storage sheds 100 square feet and larger must have a concrete floor. Sheds larger than 170 square feet are reclassified as a detached garage and follow the larger garage permit and setback rules. The shed permit fee is $60.00.

Key details: Code Chapter: Ch. 17 (Zoning). Max Shed Size: 170 sq ft. Slab Required: 100 sq ft+. Permit Fee: $60.00. Location: Rear yard only.

A shed installed without a required permit, in the front yard, exceeding 170 square feet without a detached garage permit, or violating the underlying district setback or lot-coverage rule is enforceable by the Kaukauna Building Inspector. Typical responses include a stop-work order, an order to relocate, resize or remove the structure, and after-the-fact permitting fees. Continued non-compliance is a code violation under the Kaukauna Municipal Code general penalty schedule and may be referred to the Code Enforcement Officer or City Attorney for abatement.

ADU Rules

The City of Kaukauna's zoning code (Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code) does not contain a dedicated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) provision. Sec. 17.03 defines an 'accessory use or structure' as one customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use, and 'utility storage structures' as 'uninhabited' subordinate structures located in the rear yard. Two-family dwellings are permitted in the RTF Residential Two-Family District (Sec. 17.18) on a 9,000 sq ft minimum lot, and multifamily dwellings in the RMF District (Sec. 17.19). The RSF Residential Single-Family District (Sec. 17.16) permits only single-family dwellings on 7,200 sq ft lots. Property owners seeking an ADU should contact the Planning and Community Development Department before any construction.

Key details: Authority: Chapter 17 of the Kaukauna Municipal Code is the Zoning Code. Penalties: Sec. 17.03 defines accessory structures and utility storage structures as 'uninhabited'. Measurement: No dedicated ADU/JADU section exists in Chapter 17. Measurement: RSF District (Sec. 17.16): 7,200 sq ft min lot, 35 ft max. Permit/License: RTF District (Sec. 17.18): 9,000 sq ft min lot, two-family dwellings permitted.

Building or occupying an unpermitted dwelling unit, or converting an accessory or utility storage structure into a habitable dwelling, violates Chapter 17 of the Kaukauna Municipal Code. The 'utility storage structure' definition in Sec. 17.03 expressly limits such structures to 'uninhabited' use. Enforcement is by the city's Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator and may include stop-work orders, citations, daily forfeitures under the city's general penalty provisions, and orders to remove or modify nonconforming structures.

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

The Bottom Line

Kaukauna'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 Kaukauna is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Kaukauna's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.