Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Lake County

Each rule below links to the section of the Lake County Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Lake County's code says

Lake County code What Lake County's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 20 feet tall. Applies: Accessory buildings in any district, unless the district rules say otherwise; a minor use permit may allow more. § 42.10 · code text Accessory buildings, in any district except as noted within the various districts and Articles of this Chapter, may not exceed twenty (20) feet in height; however, upon the securing of a minor use permit, this height limit may be exceeded.
Size or lot coverage	No more than 35% of the width of the required rear yard. Applies: Accessory buildings in the required rear yard in any residential district. § 42.9 · code text Detached accessory structures and buildings in any residential district may be located within the required rear yard provided that they shall not be located less than three (3) feet from the rear lot line, and provided that accessory buildings within the required rear yard do not occupy more than thirty-five (35) percent of the width of the required rear yard.
Side and rear setback	At least 3 feet from any side lot line. Applies: Accessory buildings in any residential district. § 42.9 · code text Accessory buildings shall not be located within three (3) feet of the side lot line of the lot or, in the case of a corner lot, shall not project beyond the required front yard or that required front yard existing on the adjacent lot. At least 3 feet from the rear lot line. Applies: Detached accessory structures in the required rear yard in any residential district. § 42.9 · code text Detached accessory structures and buildings in any residential district may be located within the required rear yard provided that they shall not be located less than three (3) feet from the rear lot line, and provided that accessory buildings within the required rear yard do not occupy more than thirty-five (35) percent of the width of the required rear yard.
Distance from the house	At least 3 feet from the main buildings or structures. Applies: Detached accessory structures, except as another section provides. § 42.9 · code text Detached accessory structures shall be kept at a distance no less than three (3) feet from the main building(s) or structure(s); except as provided for in Section 42.8(d).

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Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Lake County?

County code limits accessory buildings to 20 feet unless district rules differ; a minor use permit may allow more.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Lake County

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What Lake County's code says

Who this affects

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