Accessory Structures in Des Plaines, IL (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Des Plaines, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Des Plaines has no accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or coach-house ordinance; under Zoning Code Section 12-8-1 a permitted residential accessory structure is limited to a shed, gazebo, pergola, or detached garage and cannot be a separate dwelling, and Illinois has no enacted statute requiring cities to allow ADUs.
No ADU ordinance; accessory structures non-dwelling only
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Des Plaines City Code, Title 12 (Zoning), Section 12-8-1(A) (Accessory Uses and Structures)
Accessory uses and structures shall be: 1. Incidental to the principal use or structure served; ... and 3. Subordinate in height, area, bulk, and location to the principal use or structure served.
Shed Rules
Des Plaines limits a residential shed to 225 square feet and 15 feet tall (never taller than the house), set back at least 5 feet from any property line and off all easements, with a maximum of two accessory structures per lot; a building permit is required and the shed must sit on a 4-inch concrete slab or gravel base under City Code 12-8-1.
Shed max 225 sq ft, 15 ft tall, 5 ft from lines; permit
Some RestrictionsCity of Des Plaines, Community and Economic Development, 'Residential Accessory Structures (Shed, gazebo, or pergola)' handout (Jan-25), implementing Zoning Ordinance Section 12-8-1
Permitted Locations and Setbacks: Residential accessory structures cannot be located within 5 feet of the property line or on any easements. Area, Quantity, and Height: The maximum allowed area is 225 square feet. Accessory structures cannot be taller than the principal structure and the maximum height cannot exceed 15 feet in height. The maximum number of accessory structures allowed on each p...
Garage Conversions
A Des Plaines detached garage is capped at 720 square feet and 15 feet tall (never taller than the house) with walls 5 feet from property lines, and all sheds plus garages may not cover more than 50% of the required rear yard; converting or attaching a garage to the home requires an Alteration/Remodel (Residential) permit under City Code 12-8-1.
Detached garage max 720 sq ft, 5 ft setbacks; attach = remodel permit
Some RestrictionsCity of Des Plaines, Community and Economic Development, 'Residential Detached Garages' handout, implementing Zoning Ordinance Section 12-8-1
General notes regarding garage construction: Garage walls must be five feet (5') from property lines and not in any easement. Garages in R-1 and R-2 may be placed on the alley without setback; all other zoning districts require a five-foot (5') setback from alley. ... The maximum size for detached garages is 720 sq. feet. The overall height of an accessory structure shall not exceed 15 feet, an...
Carport Rules
Carports in Des Plaines are treated as accessory structures and require a building permit. They must meet zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage limits applicable to accessory structures in the underlying residential district. Detached carports in front yards are generally prohibited.
Des Plaines Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Des Plaines does not have specific tiny home zoning. Tiny homes on foundations must meet the same minimum dwelling size, setback, and building code requirements as any single-family house. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as recreational vehicles and may not be used as permanent residences in residential zones.
Des Plaines Tiny Home Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Plaines city rules.
Accessory Structures in Cook County →