Can You Have a Shed in Your Lafayette, Indiana Neighborhood? Here’s What to Check

Thinking about adding a shed to your property in Lafayette, Indiana? Whether you need extra storage, a workshop, or a hobby space, a shed can be a great investment—but before you get started, there are a few important things to check. From city permits to neighborhood HOA rules, here’s what you need to know to answer the question, “Can you have a shed in your Lafayette, Indiana neighborhood?”

Do I need a permit for a shed in Lafayette, Indiana?

In Lafayette, the need for a permit largely depends on the size and permanence of the shed:

No Permit Needed: If your shed is less than 120 square feet and is portable (not anchored to a permanent foundation), you typically don’t need a building permit.

Permit Required: Any shed larger than 120 square feet or on a permanent foundation (regardless of size) requires a building permit. Any shed built on a permanent foundation must also meet zoning setback requirements for accessory structures. This means your shed will need to be placed a certain distance away from property lines, neighboring structures, and possibly even utility easements.

Zoning Requirements: Lafayette, Indiana shed zoning laws state that a storage shed may be built no closer than 10 feet from the rear property line and no closer than six feet from the side property line. You may cover no more than 30% of your lot with structures under roof.

If you’re unsure whether your shed meets the criteria or have questions regarding zoning requirements, it’s always best to call the Lafayette Building Commission to confirm before moving forward.

What are Lafayette, Indiana HOA requirements for storage sheds?

State and county legal requirements aren’t the only thing to watch out for. Different Lafayette, Indiana HOAs have their own requirements that their residents must follow in order to avoid fees or potentially having to remove the storage shed altogether.

Some of these include:

Stones Crossing: Sheds must be made from wood with a stained finish or with vinyl siding. Roof shingles must match those of the home. Storage sheds must not exceed eight feet in height.

Benjamin Crossing: Sheds are allowed a maximum of six feet away from your house, with lean-to style sheds recommended. These structures may be made from wood, vinyl, or resin, and the roof shingles must match your home. Your shed must be in the rear yard.

Roberts Ridge: Sheds must match the siding and roofing of your home. They may reach a maximum of 10 feet by 12 feet in size.

Cross Creek Lakes: Storage sheds are not permitted without express permission from the Board of Directors.

Landing at Valley Lakes: All storage sheds must be on a permanent foundation and built of the same materials as the home. These structures must not exceed 10 feet in height, 10 feet in length, and 10 feet in width. All storage sheds must be approved by the Committee.

The Commons at Valley Lakes: All storage sheds must be on a permanent foundation and built of the same materials as the home. Metal and resin-based sheds are not permitted. These structures must not exceed 10 feet in height, 10 feet in length, and 10feet in width. All storage sheds must be approved by the Committee.

Regardless of where you live, it is always a good idea to check with your HOA to ensure you aren’t missing any requirements and have approval to install your storage shed.

Are there pre-built or custom-built sheds to meet your specific needs?

So, can you have a shed in your Lafayette, Indiana neighborhood? The short answer is yes—if you follow all of the rules.

Working with a professional like Little Fawn can make it easy to find a high-quality or custom-built shed that both fits your unique needs and meets all legal requirements. From their collection of pre-built sheds with a range of sizes to their variety of roofing material options, you can find a shed to perfectly complement your space and avoid those pesky HOA fees.

Little Fawn is a local full-service lumber yard and distributor of building materials, roofing materials, storage sheds, hardware, ammo, and more.

As people that grew up in the construction industry, we understand that when you need something for a project—you need it now and can’t wait weeks for delivery! That’s why our main goal is to help you easily find what you need, get helpful advice, and receive quick delivery.

Contact us today to get what you'll need for your next building project. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter!