Accessory Structures in St. Joseph County, IN (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
St. Joseph County zoning permits an accessory dwelling unit, capping a detached ADU at 1,200 square feet and requiring it to sit behind the front building line with an Improvement Location Permit. Off public sewer it needs a septic construction permit under 410 IAC 6-8.3.
St. Joseph County ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Some Restrictions410 IAC 6-8.3-53 (Construction permits)
the owner, or agent of the owner, shall obtain a written construction permit, signed by the health officer, for construction of a residential on-site sewage system
Shed & Carport Rules
A detached shed in a St. Joseph County residential district is capped by lot size. Under 1 acre, all detached accessory buildings together can total the greater of 1x the house's ground floor or 960 square feet, up to 19 feet tall. One to under 3 acres allows 1.5x and 22 feet, and 3 to under 5 acres allows 2x and 24 feet. Rear setback is eight feet.
St. Joseph County Shed Size and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsSt. Joseph County, Ind., Zoning Ordinance § 154.070(C)(1)(a), (C)(2)(a)
Accessory buildings in agricultural districts on parcels of two acres or less which are accessory to a single family dwelling shall be setback a minimum of eight feet from any side or rear lot line, but shall otherwise comply with the general development standards of the district. ... Accessory buildings in residential districts will have maximum heights and sizes according to the following tab...
All St. Joseph County ordinances
See every category we cover for St. Joseph County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
St. Joseph County Ordinance Hub →