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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAccessoryStructureGuide 1Zoning Office Helping build a better South Bend. Accessory Structures (Garages, Sheds, etc.) Common Types of Accessory Structures What are Primary and Accessory Structures? General Accessory Structure Rules Primary structures are the main buildings on a property, while accessory structures are smaller in size and support the primary use. For example, on a typical neighborhood lot, the primary structure is a house, and the accessory is a garage. There must be a primary structure on a lot before an accessory structure is built. • Detached garages • Sheds • Ancillary Dwelling Units (ADUs) • Chicken coops • Typically cannot be in the front or corner yard • Have to follow all primary structure setbacks, except for the rear (can be reduced to 5 feet if normal rear setback is > 5 feet) • Total area of all accessory structures on a lot cannot exceed the greater of the first floor area of the primary building, or 720 feet Diagram showing the four types of yards on a property • Pergolas A shed and pergola in a backyard A carriage house-style ancillary dwelling unit 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Suite 500 South Bend, Indiana 46601 zoning@southbendin.gov (574) 235-7627 southbendin.gov/zoning In zoning districts primarily intended for residential use, only one accessory structure is allowed per lot. However, there are exceptions to this rule. The structures listed below do not count towards the one accessory maximum and may or may not require zoning review. Number of Accessory Structures Does not require zoning review and can be in front or corner yard • Electric vehicle charging station • Little free library Does not require zoning review • Chicken coop, storage shed, or chicken pen smaller than 120 square feet Requires zoning review • Ancillary dwelling unit (ADU, garage apartment, granny flat, alley house, mother-in-law suite, etc.) • Pergola under 200 square feet • Chicken coop, storage shed, or chicken pen larger than 120 square feet A house with a little free library in the front yard 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Suite 500 South Bend, Indiana 46601 zoning@southbendin.gov (574) 235-7627 southbendin.gov/zoning