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Lincoln · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Lincoln

In R districts, accessory structures must be 5 feet from the side lot line, or 10 feet from the street side on corner lots.

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Key points

  • Accessory setbacks: In R districts, accessory structures must be 5 feet from the side lot line, or 10 feet from the street side on corner lots.

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

What Lincoln's code says

Lincoln code What Lincoln's code adds
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from the side lot line.
    Applies: Accessory structures in any R district.
    § 18.36.050 · code text
    an accessory structure located in any "R" district shall not be located within five feet of the side line of the lot
  • At least 10 feet from the street side line.
    Applies: Accessory structures on corner lots in any R district.
    § 18.36.050 · code text
    in the case of a corner lot, within ten feet of the street side line.
  • At least 10 feet from any alley.
    Applies: Garages with vehicle access onto an alley.
    § 18.36.050 · code text
    A garage, attached or detached, which has vehicle access onto an alley shall not be located within ten feet of any alley.
  • At least 5 feet from the alley.
    Applies: Garages next to an alley with no vehicle access to it.
    § 18.36.050 · code text
    A garage, attached or detached, which is located adjacent to an alley but has no vehicle access to the alley may be located no closer than five feet to the alley.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Lincoln?

In R districts, accessory structures must be 5 feet from the side lot line, or 10 feet from the street side on corner lots.

General information, not legal advice.

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Lincoln Municipal Code — full text