How close to the property line can I build a shed in Canton Township?
For the rear lot line: 6 feet, in every zoning district (Section 2.03.D.3).
For the front and side lot lines, a detached shed or garage must meet the same setbacks as your house: 20/40 side feet in R-1 (least/total), 15/35 in R-2, 10/20 in R-3, and 5/15 in R-4 and R-5 with one side at least 10 feet (Section 26.02). The building must also sit fully behind the front building line of your house (Section 2.03.D.3), and on a double-frontage lot it is restricted to the central third of the lot (Section 2.03.B.1).
A structure within 10 feet of the house counts as attached and must meet the house's full setbacks instead (Section 2.03.C). Air conditioning units carry their own 6 foot side and rear setback (Section 2.03.F), and pools stay 5 feet off any line (Section 2.03.E.1). Measure from the true lot line on your survey, not the fence line, and confirm odd-shaped lots with the Building Official.
Sources
Full text: Canton Township ordinance on Municode (Code of Ordinances, Appendix A Zoning; Supplement 65, current through 2026-04-22). Applies to districts: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, RR, RE, RA.
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