Sheds

Applicable Codes:
2024 International Residential Code
2023 National Electrical Code

Please submit the following information:

1. Provide the legal Plat of Survey at the original scale with the proposed shed drawn to scale at the proposed location, with dimensions to the adjacent lot lines and size of the shed noted. Please indicate any other existing sheds that will remain on site. For sheds to be installed in the rear yard of a townhome, please submit an approval letter from the homeowner’s association.
2. For sheds that are to be conventionally constructed, provide complete, detailed structural plans that include the plan view, cross-section, foundation plans, and all exterior elevations of the proposed shed.
3. For pre-manufactured sheds, please provide manufacturer installation specifications that include anchoring information.
4. For sheds located within a utility easement, provide a copy of the approval letter from each of the applicable utility companies.
5. If the shed is to have electrical features installed, provide:
   1. A complete proposed electrical plan and layout. Include all wiring types and sizes, conduit types and sizes, method of grounding, GFCI receptacles, switches, lighting fixtures, location of the exterior disconnect, and all other proposed electrical features.
   2. Indicate the location, size, type of conductor, type of conduit, and burial depth of the proposed electrical feeder.

Significant Codes - Building

Wind Load
Sheds must be anchored to the ground to resist the wind loads that will be placed upon the shed. The following requirements are based on the applicable sections of the 2024 International Residential Code. The anchorage of the shed can be achieved by one of three different methods as follows:

1. Slab-on-grade footings must be a minimum of 4” thick with a thickened perimeter.
2. Concrete Piers must be a minimum of 42” below grade.
3. Any mechanical ground anchors must be installed per the manufacturer’s listing and specifications.

Frost protection
Freestanding accessory structures with an area of 400 square feet or less and an eave height of 10 feet or less shall not be required to have a 42” deep foundation. All other structures exceeding these dimensions shall require proper frost protection.

Electrical Conductors
Clearances from buildings for the conductor (less than 600 volts). All structures shall be clear of overhead electrical lines by 3 feet vertically when greater than a 4/12 pitch roof and 8 feet above when less than a 4/12 pitch roof. Provide a minimum 3-foot horizontal clearance to all structures.

Significant Codes - Zoning

Maximum Size
Detached accessory storage sheds or storage buildings shall not exceed 5% of the maximum lot coverage for the lot, as specified in the district regulations. Detached accessory storage sheds or storage buildings shall not exceed 12 feet in height as measured from grade to the highest point of the roof (Article 24.3.3, Ord. F-1454). To calculate the maximum allowed shed size for a single-family property (in the R3 or R4 zoning district): (Lot area in square feet) x (.333) x (.05) = Maximum shed square footage.

Location/Setback Requirements: (Article 3.4.8 Wheaton Zoning Ordinance)

1. Sheds are not permitted in the required front yard or corner side yard.
2. Sheds must be separated from the house by 4 feet (measured from wall to wall).
3. Sheds located more than 40 feet behind the front yard setback line:
   • Setback from side property line: 3 feet
   • Setback from rear property line: 5 feet
4. Sheds located less than 40 feet behind the front yard setback line:
   • Setback from side property line: 8% of the width of the lot or 10 feet (whichever is less)

Easements
Sheds are prohibited from being located within a utility or drainage easement unless written approval is granted by affected utility companies and the Engineering Department. Easements are shown on the plat of survey. To request permission to build in an easement, please refer to the document entitled Utility Easement (Approval to Build Within).

To apply for a permit

Maintstar - h2.maintstar.co/wheaton/portal/#/

Contractor Registration Requirements:

Webpage - www.wheaton.il.us/890/Contractor-Registration-Requirements

Websites

• City of Wheaton www.wheaton.il.us
• International Building Codes www.iccsafe.org

Contact Us

City of Wheaton Building & Code Enforcement Department
Address: 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone Calls:
Questions regarding this information: 630-260-2050
Business hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fax: 630-260-2195

3/7/2025