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Plymouth · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Plymouth

Sheds, garages, carports and other accessory structures are limited to 12 feet; closed-roof ones between 12 and 16 feet need an Administrative Use Permit. Closed-roof structures such as sheds need 3 feet from interior side and rear lines, 5 feet from the rear where an alley is present.

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Key points

  • Accessory height: Sheds, garages, carports and other accessory structures are limited to 12 feet; closed-roof ones between 12 and 16 feet need an Administrative Use Permit.
  • Shed setbacks: Closed-roof structures such as sheds need 3 feet from interior side and rear lines, 5 feet from the rear where an alley is present.

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

What Plymouth's code says

Plymouth code What Plymouth's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 12 feet tall.
    Applies: Closed-roof structures such as sheds, pool houses, detached garages and gazebos. A height of 12 to 16 feet needs an Administrative Use Permit.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Closed-Roof Structure (including sheds, pool houses, detached garages, gazebos, etc.) | Same as primary structure | 15 feet | 3 feet | 3 feet rear; 5 feet where alley is present | 6 feet | 12 feet 2 | Shall be located to the rear of the house
  • No more than 12 feet tall.
    Applies: Open-roof structures.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Open-Roof Structure | Same as primary structure | 15 feet | 3 feet | 3 feet | 6 feet | 12 feet | Shall be located to the rear of the house
  • No more than 12 feet tall.
    Applies: Carports.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Carports 3 | Same as primary structure | Not permitted on street side of corner lot | 5 feet | 5 feet | 6 feet | 12 feet |
  • No more than 12 feet tall.
    Applies: Play equipment.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Play Equipment | Same as primary structure | 15 feet | 5 feet | 5 feet | 6 feet | 12 feet |
Size or lot coverage
  • The house and accessory structures together may cover no more than 60% of the lot.
    Applies: Residential lots.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Maximum aggregate lot coverage by primary and accessory structures is not to exceed 60% of the lot.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 3 feet from the interior side lot line and 3 feet from the rear lot line.
    Applies: Closed-roof structures such as sheds, pool houses, detached garages and gazebos. The rear setback is 5 feet where there is an alley.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Closed-Roof Structure (including sheds, pool houses, detached garages, gazebos, etc.) | Same as primary structure | 15 feet | 3 feet | 3 feet rear; 5 feet where alley is present | 6 feet | 12 feet 2 | Shall be located to the rear of the house
  • At least 3 feet from the interior side lot line and 3 feet from the rear lot line.
    Applies: Open-roof structures.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Open-Roof Structure | Same as primary structure | 15 feet | 3 feet | 3 feet | 6 feet | 12 feet | Shall be located to the rear of the house
  • At least 5 feet from the interior side lot line and 5 feet from the rear lot line.
    Applies: Carports.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Carports 3 | Same as primary structure | Not permitted on street side of corner lot | 5 feet | 5 feet | 6 feet | 12 feet |
  • At least 5 feet from the interior side lot line and 5 feet from the rear lot line.
    Applies: Play equipment.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Play Equipment | Same as primary structure | 15 feet | 5 feet | 5 feet | 6 feet | 12 feet |
Distance from the house
  • At least 6 feet from the main house.
    Applies: Closed-roof structures such as sheds, pool houses, detached garages and gazebos.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Closed-Roof Structure (including sheds, pool houses, detached garages, gazebos, etc.) | Same as primary structure | 15 feet | 3 feet | 3 feet rear; 5 feet where alley is present | 6 feet | 12 feet 2 | Shall be located to the rear of the house
  • At least 6 feet from the main house.
    Applies: Open-roof structures.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Open-Roof Structure | Same as primary structure | 15 feet | 3 feet | 3 feet | 6 feet | 12 feet | Shall be located to the rear of the house
  • At least 6 feet from the main house.
    Applies: Carports.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Carports 3 | Same as primary structure | Not permitted on street side of corner lot | 5 feet | 5 feet | 6 feet | 12 feet |
  • At least 6 feet from the main house.
    Applies: Play equipment.
    § 19.78.040 · code text
    Play Equipment | Same as primary structure | 15 feet | 5 feet | 5 feet | 6 feet | 12 feet |

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Sheds, garages, carports and other accessory structures are limited to 12 feet; closed-roof ones between 12 and 16 feet need an Administrative Use Permit. Closed-roof structures such as sheds need 3 feet from interior side and rear lines, 5 feet from the rear where an alley is present.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Plymouth property

Ask GoCodebook how Plymouth's sheds, garages and other accessory structures rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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