Sheds and garages in Washington, DC
Only a single 50 sq ft garden shed skips the permit. Accessory buildings are capped at 22 ft and 2 stories, sit 3 ft from side and 5 ft from rear lines shared with other lots, and garages can't go in the required rear yard without a special exception.
A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Washington before you build.
The details
- Accessory buildings: 22 ft and 2 stories. Footprint up to 650 sq ft (R-1, R-2) or 550 sq ft (R-3, RF), or 30% of the required rear yard if larger.High confidence
- Measure the 7.5 ft alley setback from the alley centerline, not the lot line.High confidence
Check a project at your address
SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.
Common questions
- Where can a shed or garage go in Washington?
- Only a single 50 sq ft garden shed skips the permit. Accessory buildings are capped at 22 ft and 2 stories, sit 3 ft from side and 5 ft from rear lines shared with other lots, and garages can't go in the required rear yard without a special exception.
Sources
- DC Zoning Regulations, accessory buildings (11-D §§ 5000-5005, 11-E §§ 5000-5005), as amended by ZC Case 25-12. Checked 2026-10-20
Accessory buildings: 22 ft and 2 stories; footprint the greater of 30% of the required rear yard or 650 sq ft (R-1, R-2) / 550 sq ft (R-3, RF); not in the required rear yard except a shed; 7.5 ft from the centerline of any alley; in R zones 3 ft from a side…
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.