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Sheds & Storage Buildings
Review the structure's size, placement, height, door configuration and applicable permit requirements before construction.
Planning a shed, detached garage, carport or other accessory structure in Davenport? Understand the city's permit, zoning, setback, height and property-placement requirements before you build.
Davenport Accessory Structure Snapshot
Davenport regulates detached accessory structures through its zoning and development standards. The city's zoning ordinance generally requires four-foot setbacks from interior side and rear lot lines, establishes a 20-foot maximum height for detached accessory structures, and includes accessory structures in applicable building coverage and impervious-surface calculations.
Key Requirements
These are the major zoning factors to review before finalizing the location and design of a detached accessory structure.
Generally 4 feet from an interior side lot line.
Generally 4 feet from a rear lot line.
Detached accessory structures are generally limited to 20 feet.
Generally prohibited unless specifically permitted by ordinance.
Permits
Davenport's current guidance for garages, carports and sheds states that building permits are required for garages, carports and accessory structures. The city's general permit information also describes a limited exemption for certain one-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses when the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet and the property complies with applicable zoning and setback requirements.
Because the city's published materials contain project-specific distinctions, homeowners should not assume that a small structure is automatically exempt. Your zoning district, structure type, placement, construction details and current municipal requirements can affect the answer.
Confirm the permit requirement with Davenport Development and Neighborhood Services before purchasing materials or beginning construction.
Zoning & Placement
Location is one of the most important parts of accessory structure planning. Davenport's zoning ordinance establishes specific setback rules for detached accessory structures.
The standard setback is 4 feet from an interior side lot line.
A reduction to 2 feet may be possible when the applicable wall has no openings and meets the required fire-protection conditions verified by the Zoning Administrator.
Detached accessory structures must generally be at least 4 feet from the rear lot line.
An accessory structure generally cannot be placed in a front or corner side yard unless the zoning ordinance specifically allows it.
Davenport's general zoning rule limits detached accessory structures to a maximum height of 20 feet unless another specific ordinance provision applies.
The zoning ordinance states that the footprint of a single detached accessory structure cannot exceed the footprint of the principal building, subject to specific ordinance exceptions.
Accessory structures count toward applicable maximum impervious-surface and building-coverage requirements.
Project Types
Accessory structures are not all treated identically. The structure's use, size, location and construction can affect which rules apply.
Review the structure's size, placement, height, door configuration and applicable permit requirements before construction.
Detached garages are subject to accessory-structure zoning standards and may also involve building, structural, electrical and other permit requirements.
Carports have their own dimensional and placement considerations. Verify the applicable Davenport zoning and building requirements before installation.
Davenport's zoning ordinance is organized by zoning district, and the applicable district can affect development standards and permitted uses. Before finalizing an accessory structure, identify the property's zoning designation and review the standards that apply to that parcel.
This matters particularly for corner lots, unusually shaped lots, properties with easements, properties subject to special overlays, and sites where the proposed structure could interact with existing buildings or other accessory structures.
Avoid Delays
A fence, driveway or visible landscape feature is not necessarily the legal property line. Confirm the parcel boundary before laying out the structure.
Permit exemptions can have conditions. Verify the current Davenport requirements for your exact structure and site.
An accessory structure can affect building coverage and impervious-surface calculations even when its setbacks appear compliant.
Confirm zoning, setbacks and structure-specific standards before ordering a kit, pouring a foundation or hiring a contractor.
FAQ
Davenport's current garage, carport and shed guidance says building permits are required for garages, carports and accessory structures. The city's general permit page also describes a limited exemption for certain one-story detached tool/storage buildings not exceeding 120 square feet, subject to zoning and setback compliance. Verify your specific project with the city before construction.
The general detached-accessory-structure setback is 4 feet from an interior side lot line. Under specified conditions, the setback may be reduced to 2 feet where the applicable wall has no openings and meets the required fire-protection provisions verified by the Zoning Administrator.
Detached accessory structures generally must be at least 4 feet from a rear lot line.
Davenport's general zoning standard sets a maximum height of 20 feet for detached accessory structures unless another ordinance provision applies.
Generally no. Davenport's zoning ordinance states that detached accessory structures may not be located in a front or corner side yard unless specifically allowed by the ordinance.
Yes. Davenport's zoning ordinance states that accessory structures are included in maximum impervious-surface and building-coverage calculations for the applicable district.
Municipal requirements can change. Before submitting an application or starting construction, confirm the current rules with the City of Davenport.
City development, permit and property-planning resources.
Official zoning ordinance and zoning information.
Davenport's official permit requirement guidance.
Official applications, permit resources and development information.
Don't rely on a generic setback number. Check your exact property and understand the zoning and permit requirements that may apply to your project.
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