Accessory Structures in Gary, IN (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Gary, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Gary's zoning code defines an accessory dwelling unit at Municipal Code § 123-1 but never lists that use among the permitted, transitional, or special uses authorized in any residence or business district. A homeowner who wants a secondary unit on a single-family lot has no as-of-right path and must apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance.
Gary Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Significant RestrictionsGary Municipal Code § 123-1
Accessory dwelling unit means a secondary independent dwelling unit constructed on a lot with a primary dwelling unit. The secondary independent dwelling unit is constructed auxiliary to and smaller than the primary dwelling unit.
Shed & Carport Rules
Gary limits accessory buildings, including sheds, to 40 percent of the required rear yard area and 15 feet in height under Municipal Code § 123-332(b), and § 123-333(e)(3) requires any rear yard shed to sit at least three feet off both the side and rear lot lines. A shed also cannot be built before the main house.
Gary Accessory Building & Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsGary Municipal Code §§ 123-332(b), 123-333(e)(3)
No accessory building or structure shall be constructed on any lot prior to the time of construction of the principal building to which it is accessory. No accessory building or buildings shall occupy more than 40 percent of the area of a required rear yard. No accessory building or portion thereof located in a required rear yard shall exceed 15 feet in height. ... (3)In rear yards. Enclosed, a...
Tiny Homes
Gary's zoning code defines a 'cottage' at Municipal Code § 123-1 as a small dwelling of 950 to 1,200 square feet that may serve as an accessory dwelling unit, but the term is not listed as an authorized use in any residence or business district, so a tiny house built under this definition still needs Board of Zoning Appeals approval.
Gary Tiny Home and Cottage Zoning
Significant RestrictionsGary Municipal Code § 123-1
Cottage means a small dwelling unit, generally containing not more than 1,200 but no less than 950 square feet of floor area that may be used as an accessory dwelling unit.
Looking for Lake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Gary city rules.
Accessory Structures in Lake County →