Des Plaines requires a building permit for sheds and accessory structures over a specified size threshold (commonly 100 sq ft). Sheds must comply with zoning setbacks (typically 3 feet from side and rear lot lines) and may be limited to one per lot.
Sheds and accessory structures in Des Plaines require a building permit if they exceed roughly 100 square feet (verify exact threshold with Community Development). All sheds, regardless of size, must comply with zoning rules: typically 3-foot side and rear setback, must be located behind the principal building, height limit of approximately 15 feet, and limit of one accessory structure per residential lot in many districts. Permit submittal includes a plot plan showing the shed location relative to lot lines and existing structures, building details, and proof of homeowner ownership. Sheds in floodplain areas along the Des Plaines River face additional elevation requirements. Pre-built sheds must still meet anchoring requirements in this region given high winds. Sheds cannot be placed on easements (utility, drainage, sidewalk).
Unpermitted sheds: $250-$1,000 plus mandatory removal or after-the-fact permit application (typically double fee). Setback violations: removal at owner expense.
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines regulates amplified music under Title 6, Chapter 6 of the City Code. Amplified sound plainly audible at 75 feet during daytime, or audible at the...
Des Plaines, IL
Outdoor music in Des Plaines falls under Title 6, Chapter 6's amplified-sound provisions. Backyard gatherings with amplified music must comply with the 10 PM...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code Title 12 (Zoning) and Title 8 (Building) require residential driveways to be paved with approved hard-surface materials and meet width ...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines prohibits feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals that creates a nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife. Bird feeding is general...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code prohibits keeping horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other livestock in all residential and most commercial districts. Only tradi...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines is not located in any wildfire hazard zone. As a fully developed Chicago suburb in Cook County, the City has no wildland-urban interface designat...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle shed & outbuilding permits.
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