7 Shed Placement Rules

After purchasing land and building a new home, it’s time to put up a shed to store garden tools and your automotive parts. Oh! Don’t be left behind; sheds are also used as living rooms, entertainment rooms, and offices.

Note that there are shed placement rules you should observe before proceeding with construction. Authorities may be hard on you if you don’t observe these rules. In fact, some rules may affect your budgeting and the yard area you intend to build your shed.

Despite the norm of people thinking they can just build a shed in a yard, it’s wise to follow certain regulations. Don’t be surprised to learn that you may consult the neighbors, Home Owners Association, and municipal offices.

Well, what are shed placement rules? Read on to learn some of the basic rules. However, you would be safe by visiting the relevant authority’s department offices and getting a copy of the regulations.

Shed Placement Rules

1. Get a Permit

Rule number one: Have a permit from the city or the government. And obtaining a permit is a process that requires you to gather the following documents;

• Shed architectural design.
• The land ownership title deed.
• The yard size.
• The distances from other buildings.
• The sewerage and plumbing lines location etc

Afterward, your documents will be reviewed and costs calculated. You will pay and get the permit to proceed with the construction.

Although the permit may describe all the rules, it’s important to learn them because some sheds may not require permits.

Let’s proceed;

2. Distance from the property line

How far does a shed have to be from the fence?

It’s always advised that you leave a space of Fifteen (15) feet from the side property line and ten (10) feet from the rear property line. But note that regulations vary depending on state or city.

I advise confirming shed placement from property line regulations from the relevant departments.

However, if you intend to leave a smaller space, you will have to consult your neighbors and get a written agreement.

Secondly, you will have to consult the local Home Owners Association for the same garden shed boundary rules.

3. Distance from other buildings

Can I put a shed right next to my house?

You need to build the shed at least 10 feet from other buildings. This will give enough room for air circulation.

On the other hand, you may save some buildings in case of a fire at home.

4. Yard Coverage

In most states, it’s strictly defined that a shed should not occupy more than 50% of the yard.

So, if you have a wide variety of items to store in a small yard, you will have to find an alternative.

See also: How many sheds can I have on my property in Florida

5. Shed Location

It’s always advisable to put up a shed in the backyard. See, a shed may compromise the aesthetic look of your home.

Consider having your house as the front building in the yard.

6. Condition of the backyard

You should be very keen on the yard’s condition because it can easily compromise the foundation. Take a look at the factors to consider;

The terrain

The area should have firm sand because loose sand may be easily blown by the wind or carried by rainwater. This can lead to collapsing of the shed and cause losses or accidents.

Avoid rocky areas

The bumpy yard will not offer firm support for the shed. This is because digging the foundation may be hard, and in the end, you’ll place the shed with an unstable foundation.

Ensure there is good drainage

Clay soils have very poor drainage. As such, placing the shed on a clay area is like begging rainwater to flood around or carry the shed.

The bottom of a slopy yard is also risky. Consider a flat land or make a firm foundation with proper drainage afterward.

See also: What is the cheapest base for a shed?

Avoid the yard with trees

Tree branches can drop during the rainy season and collapse the yard. Also, leaves from trees can accumulate and weigh down the shed.

On the other hand, tree roots can grow underground towards the shed and disrupt the foundation.

7. The usage

The shed can be built in different sizes and designs depending on the usage. Take a look at different rules depending on usage.

Garden shed for storage

Storage sheds hold various items like lawnmowers, firewood, and other garden tools.

As such, you need enough space for a maneuver when taking out some items. Also, you need to build it with a wider door for easy movement of wide machines like lawnmowers.

See also: Best DIY garden storage shed kits

Workshop

A workshop shed will need electricity and also accommodate various tools. Also, you need to set it far from the house because of the noise.

Office

In the modern days, many people work from home. As that’s the case, if you intend to use your shed as an office, ensure it’s well ventilated.

You can design it with several windows, install fans, and heaters to make the place comfortable.

A house

It’s not a surprise that people live in sheds nowadays. First, you need to explain that you intend to live in the shed during the permit application.

The authorities will advise you to do proper wiring and plumbing in the shed. Additionally, you may need septic and a flush toilet installed in the shed.

Don’t forget that the flush toilet will need plumbing. Needless to say, you also need sinks, so you will have to build a spacious shed.

See also: Can you legally convert a shed into a tiny house?

FAQs About Shed Placement Rules

To avoid trouble in the future, confirm shed placement rules with your local authority. They vary depending on various states and cities.