Accessory Structures in Springfield, IL (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Springfield, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Springfield's zoning code expressly prohibits using any detached garage, accessory building, or structure as a dwelling unit, so a freestanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is not permitted under Zoning Ordinance Section 155.068(b)(2). Illinois has no statewide ADU law in force (HB 1813 remains pending), so the local ban governs.
Springfield ADU Rules (Zoning Code 155.068)
Heavy RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances, Ch. 155 (Zoning), Sec. 155.068(b)
(b) In residential districts. (1) A detached garage, accessory building, or structure in a required rear yard shall not be less than three feet from any property line. On a corner lot, such garage, accessory building, or structure, shall be set back from the property line adjoining a side street the same distance as required for the principal building in the zoning district in which the garage,...
Shed & Carport Rules
Springfield Zoning Ordinance Section 155.068 allows detached sheds and accessory buildings in the rear yard, requiring at least a 3-foot setback from any property line, a 6-foot separation from the principal building, and an 18-foot maximum height in residential districts. Section 155.062 lists accessory sheds among permitted rear-yard obstructions.
Springfield Shed & Accessory Building Rules (155.068)
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances, Ch. 155 (Zoning), Sec. 155.068(a)-(b)
(a) General provisions. No garage, accessory building, or structure unless structurally part of the principal building, shall be erected, enlarged, altered, or moved to a location within six feet of the nearest wall of the principal building, nor within the front yard or within the minimum area specified for side yards. No principal building shall be erected, enlarged, expanded, altered, or mov...
Garage Conversions
Springfield's zoning code bars converting a detached garage or accessory building into a dwelling unit or a business: Section 155.068(b)(2) states no portion of such a structure may be used as a dwelling unit or for any business or office use. Converting an attached garage into living space is treated as altering the principal building and requires a permit.
Springfield Garage Conversion Rules (155.068)
Heavy RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances, Ch. 155 (Zoning), Sec. 155.068(b)(2)
(2) The maximum height allowed for any detached garage, accessory building, or structure in a residential zoning district is 18 feet. However, in no case shall any portion of a detached garage, accessory building, or structure be used as a dwelling unit or for any business or office use.
Looking for Sangamon County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Springfield city rules.
Accessory Structures in Sangamon County →