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Anderson · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Anderson

Anderson sets detached accessory buildings 5 feet from the rear property line unless it abuts an alley; side and front yards follow main-building rules.

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Key points

  • Accessory buildings: Anderson sets detached accessory buildings 5 feet from the rear property line unless it abuts an alley; side and front yards follow main-building rules.

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

What Anderson's code says

Anderson code What Anderson's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 15 feet above the height limit of the zoning district.
    Applies: Accessory structures such as satellite dishes and gazebos.
    § 17.02.110 · code text
    Structure shall not be of a height more than fifteen feet above the height limit established for the district in which it is located.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: Detached accessory buildings, unless the property borders an alley.
    § 17.02.110 · code text
    Five feet from the rear property line, unless the property abuts an alley.
  • No rear setback is required.
    Applies: Detached accessory buildings on property that borders an alley.
    § 17.02.110 · code text
    If abutting an alley, no rear setback is required;
  • Same side and front yard rules as the house.
    Applies: Detached accessory buildings.
    § 17.02.110 · code text
    To comply with side and front yard requirements for main buildings;
  • Same side, front and rear yard rules as the house.
    Applies: Accessory structures such as satellite dishes and gazebos.
    § 17.02.110 · code text
    Must comply with side, front and rear yard requirements for the main building;
No permit needed up to
  • No building permit is needed for 120 square feet of roof area or less.
    Applies: Detached accessory buildings with no electrical or plumbing fixtures or connections.
    § 17.02.110 · code text
    Detached accessory buildings of one hundred twenty square feet or less of projected roof without any electrical or plumbing fixtures or connections are exempt from the requirement for a building permit.
Distance from the house
  • At least 5 feet from the house; a breezeway may connect them.
    Applies: Detached accessory buildings.
    § 17.02.110 · code text
    May not be located closer than five feet to the main building, but may be connected to the main building with a breezeway.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Anderson sets detached accessory buildings 5 feet from the rear property line unless it abuts an alley; side and front yards follow main-building rules.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Anderson property

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

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Anderson Municipal Code — full text