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Permitting Sheds
Sheds are accessory structures under the Missoula municipal zoning code, Title 20. The size of the shed will determine which permit type is required.
An accessory structure is a building that is subordinate in area, extent or purpose to the principal use and building on the parcel and that is customarily used in conjunction with a permitted accessory use. If an accessory structure is to be built, there must be a primary structure on the parcel. The zoning officer has the authority to make the determination on whether a use or structure is accessory.
No permits are required if the shed is less than 120 square feet in floor area or less than 12’-0" in height. The shed is still subject to setbacks.
A Zoning Compliance Permit is required for sheds greater than 120 square feet in floor area or 12’-0” in height.
A Building Permit is required for sheds greater than 200 square feet in floor area or 12’-0” in height.
In residential districts, accessory buildings and structures are prohibited in front and street side yards. They may not be closer to the street than the principal building.
The setbacks for accessory structures in residential districts are:
| Zoning District | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|
| R215, OP2 | 50 Feet | 50 Feet |
| R80, R40, R20, RT10 | 5 Feet* | 5 Feet** |
| R8, R5.4, RT5.4, R3, R2, RT2.7, RM2.7, RM1.5, RM1, RM0.5, RMH | 3 Feet* | 3 Feet** |
| *Accessory structures not requiring a zoning compliance permit and not exceeding 8'-6" in height are exempt from side setbacks. | ||
| **Accessory structures not requiring a zoning compliance permit and not exceeding 12' in height are exempt from rear setbacks. | ||
Accessory buildings in residential districts may not exceed 22 feet in height (excluding accessory structures that contain ADUs, which can be 25 feet in height). The total combined building coverage of all detached accessory buildings may not exceed 50% of the actual rear yard area.
Accessory buildings in non-residential districts may not exceed 30 feet in height, or the height of the principal building on the same parcel, whichever is less.
In nonresidential districts, accessory structures must be separated by a minimum distance of ten feet from all other accessory and principal buildings.
The parcel and building standards of the base zoning district apply to accessory structures in nonresidential districts unless otherwise expressly stated. Accessory structures on parcels abutting R districts must be set back in accordance with the accessory structure setback standards that apply in residential districts (see 20.45.020).
Are there any additional considerations for a garage?
Yes. Accessory structures with direct vehicle access and garage doors parallel to an adjacent alley (i.e., garage) must have a minimum 26' from face of structure to opposite side of alley right-of-way.
Are there standards for stables and other accessory buildings housing farm animals, fowl or livestock?
Accessory buildings and grazing areas for livestock or fowl in residential districts must be set back at least 100 feet from any dwelling of human habitation under separate ownership or on a separate parcel, 100 feet from any watercourse and 50 feet from any property line. This provision does not apply to facilities for the keeping of up to six female chickens, in accordance with Chapter 6.12 of the Municipal Code.