If you already have a shed and are excited about the prospect of a new storage shed for your property, you might be reminded of the zoning laws and required zoning permits for your first shed. You might ask, "How many sheds can I have on my property?" We want you to have the structures you wish to so that you can have that new garden shed, enjoy a pool house, or enjoy safer storage for your outdoor equipment.

Once you have the answers, come to one of our dealers, and we can help you find the perfect shed to keep your you – so your property can be made uniquely yours!

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How Many Sheds Can You Have On Your Property?

If you live beyond city limits and in more rural areas, you may have more freedom and ease with the number, size, and zoning permits for your shed. Still, within midwest cities and towns, you will be under local ordinances that could require licensing for your shed or accessory structure. If you live in a rural county, you will likely have far fewer shed number and size restrictions.

You will face requirements from your Home Owner's Association (HOA), the city zoning office, and the local building department within more suburban and city areas. Because of your area's complexities and unique legal status, there is no catch-all answer to how many sheds you can have on your property. We recommend searching your town or city's website for information on how and when to apply for zoning permits and licenses.

What Zoning Permits and Licenses Do I Need for My Shed?

The requirements for shed zoning licenses and permits for your new shed will vary wildly from town to town in the Midwest – and state to state. A typical rule of thumb is that a permit is unnecessary if your storage shed is less than 100 square feet. However, we always recommend contacting local authorities to learn about your required permits and/or licenses.

We have dealerships across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, and only Indiana has statewide guidance on sheds (No permit required for single-story sheds less than 120 square feet). But even in states with state-decided ordinances, cities, and towns can have more specific rulings for permits and licensing.

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What Should I Consider When Researching Shed Laws?

When you go to your town, city, or HOA website, you might not have a lot of guidance on what to consider and look for when researching shed restrictions. Most of the time, these zoning restrictions are based on the size and use of your structure. Some of the most important limits for you to consider are:

Total Square Footage

As stated above, your local zoning may have restrictions based on the total square footage of all structures in your backyard or property. This can be because of various reasons, from limited space to preventing fire hazards. Whatever the reason, many HOAs and zoning laws restrict your sheds' total square footage. So, consider the total area of your current shed and the shed you want installed.

Setback And Distance

Another major fire code restriction is setback laws. Setback defines the distance from your shed to property lines and nearby structures. This prevents fire from spreading and pests from easily burrowing or gnawing their way from one structure to another. These ordinances also keep you from accidentally building on or underneath critical utility lines, which may restrict the number of sheds you can have.

Impermeable Ground Area

An important consideration for those living in cities is that the combined square footage of all your impermeable ground might be limited. The impermeable ground is any area that rainwater cannot drain through. This is a common restriction in cities to prevent flooding, water damage, and other drainage issues with closely abutting properties. This ordinance includes patios and decks.

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Get a Shed from Prairie Built Barns Today!

With this guide on how many sheds you can have on your property, you can build and store more confidently! Local zoning and restrictions are frustrating, but they do important work in preventing health and safety hazards when your property is so close to your neighbors. We want to help you have the best structures for as long as possible and ensure you keep your property safe!

When you're ready to get a shed for your next big storage need, visit one of our locations! We have dealerships across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio! Wherever you live, our nearby dealership will help you find the right size and shape structure for your needs, whether a garden shed for your gardening supplies or a utility shed for your power tools – get in touch today!

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