Accessory Structures in Topeka, KS (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Topeka, Kansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Topeka allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot as an accessory use to a single-family home, capped at 800 square feet, with the owner required to live in either the ADU or the principal dwelling.
Topeka ADU Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsTopeka Municipal Code § 18.225.010(mm)
(mm) Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). (1) Generally. A single ADU is permitted as an accessory use to the principal dwelling and allowed subject to satisfying these standards. ... (4)(ii) Detached accessory dwellings shall contain no more than 800 square feet, exclusive of garages attached to the accessory dwelling, or 50 percent of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is les...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Topeka lets a single accessory dwelling unit sit on a lot with a single-family home, but only if an owner actually lives on the property. TMC 18.225.010(mm)(5) requires that "either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal dwelling unit shall be occupied by an owner of record," closing off pure investor rentals of both units at once.
Topeka ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Some RestrictionsTopeka Municipal Code § 18.225.010(mm)(5), (mm)(12)
(mm) Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). (1) Generally. A single ADU is permitted as an accessory use to the principal dwelling and allowed subject to satisfying these standards. ... (5) Owner Occupancy Required. Either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal dwelling unit shall be occupied by an owner of record of the property. ... (12) ADUs that do not meet standards in subsections (mm)(4), (...
Shed & Carport Rules
In Topeka's R-1 single-family district, a detached shed must sit back at least 30 feet from the front lot line, 3 feet from the side line, 5 feet from the rear line, and 6 feet from the house or any other accessory building, per Topeka Municipal Code section 18.60.020. Sheds under 150 square feet skip the building permit under section 14.55.100.
Topeka Backyard Shed & Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsTopeka Municipal Code § 18.60.020, Notes [8], [10], [11] (R-1 Single-Family Dwelling District); see also §§ 18.210.010(a)(2), 18.210.020(b)(1), 14.55.100(1)
[8]Accessory structures shall not be located within a required front yard or beyond the front face of the principal structure, whichever is more restrictive. However, a minimum setback of 20 feet from all street rights-of-way shall be provided for roadside stands, garages and carports. If, in the judgment of the Planning Director, construction of a roadside stand, garage or carport is compatibl...