Accessory Structures

Before You ApplyShed

It is encouraged that you contact the Zoning & Planning Department while planning your project to confirm compliance with basic zoning requirements and to discuss the review and approval process.

All accessory structure projects require review and approval by the Building Board prior to issuance of any permits. The Board meets twice per month (1st and 3rd Tuesday) at 5:30 p.m. To get placed on agenda, all materials must be submitted digitally to the Zoning and Planning Administrator at least 2 weeks in advance of the meeting. Once deemed complete by the Zoning and Planning Administrator, physical copies must be provided at least one week before the meeting.

The submittal requirements for accessory structures are listed below. A more comprehensive list of Accessory Structure requirements may be found at the hyperlink.

Required Forms

*If electrical service is being supplied to the structure, an Electrical Permit is required.

Requirements with Building Permit Application

To get placed on an agenda, all of the following items must be submitted and deemed complete by the Zoning & Planning Administrator:

  • Structure Plan
    • Scaled elevations from all sides, noting all exterior materials, lighting, and colors (material and color samples must be brought to the meeting as well)
    • Accessory structures shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 150 square feet in area for any parcel less than 1/2 acre. The structure may be increased 37.5 square feet for each additional 0.25 acre (maximum 500 square feet may be added). This does not include yard maintenance buildings (sheds).
    • Yard maintenance buildings (sheds) shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 150 square feet in area.
    • Yard maintenance buildings shall be anchored to a concrete slab foundation that is constructed in accordance with §106-04C(2)(a).
    • Yard maintenance buildings shall be constructed of materials and of colors aesthetically consistent with those of the principal structure. Using plastic or metal sheets as an exterior is not permitted. They are encouraged to be located adjacent to the principal structure or garage. They are encouraged to have windows and other architectural features.
    • Roofed wood storage structures shall not exceed 4 feet in height, 36 inches in width, and 8 feet in length. The roof shall have a roof consistent with that of the principal structure.
    • No property may have more than one permanently affixed accessory structure.
    • Any structure affixed to the principal structure shall be treated as an addition. Please refer to the addition webpage.
  • Parcel Survey or Site Plan
    • If you do not have a plat of survey, you can illustrate the following on a printed site plan using the Waukesha County GIS platform.
    • Location and dimensions of structure.
    • Distance to all lot lines.
    • Location of neighboring structures.
    • Location and distance of well(s)
    • Parcel area.
    • Total impervious surface area prior to- and after the structure is complete (generally, 30% maximum allowed).
  • Landscape Plan
    • Existing and proposed landscaping with species list, number, and size.
    • Bushes, trees and shrubs may be required, if deemed necessary by the Building Board, to enhance the appearance of or to adequately screen such structures.
  • Letter of Approval from Neighbor(s) (Sheds only)
    • If you desire to locate a shed within a required setback area, you must submit signed letters of approval from all neighboring property owners to which the structure will be visible at any point in the year (think winter when vegetation sheds their canopy).
    • This requirement includes properties across the street where the structure will be visible from at any point in the year.
    • It is recommended that the property owner prepare a singular letter describing the proposed structure, including a copy of the site and construction plan, with signature lines for each neighbor at the bottom.

*Important* - 14 hard copies of each plan listed above must be provided on ledger-sized paper (11"x18") only following review of plans digitally by the Zoning & Planning Administrator. 

Note

It is the Village's opinion that, in general, yard maintenance buildings located on or near property lines detract from the overall ambience that makes Elm Grove unique. Therefore, it is the Village's strong preference that, if residents feel that a yard maintenance building is necessary, the yard maintenance building be designed to match and be located next to the principal structure or garage.

Inspections

The following inspections can be anticipated for an addition project:

  • Foundation
  • Final

For a next business day inspection, it must be scheduled by 4:00 p.m. the day prior.