Do I need a permit for a shed in Shelby Township, and where can it go?

Sheds and other detached accessory buildings belong in the rear yard, at least 5 feet from the rear and side lot lines, 10 feet from your house, and 10 feet from any accessory building on the adjoining parcel (Section 5.2.A.4). A shed may go in a side yard only if it meets the same setbacks as the house itself. Maximum height is 15 feet.

Two size caps apply: accessory buildings may cover at most 30 percent of the rear yard, and all of them together may not exceed 75 percent of your house's floor area (Section 5.2.A.4.c, d). The exterior must be architecturally similar to the house, and moveable carports or temporary greenhouses are not permitted (Section 5.2.A.4.i, j). On a corner lot, the shed must observe the front setback from both streets (Section 5.2.A.5).

The Zoning Ordinance sets these placement rules but building-permit thresholds come from the Building Department, so call 586-731-5100 to confirm permit requirements for your shed's size before you build.