My Own Garden

How Close Can A Shed Be To The House: All You Have To Know

two garden shed standing in the garden

Last Updated on May 16, 2023 by Dale Allan

Have you recently decided to build a shed?

Building your own shed can be a great DIY project that provides extra storage and workspace.

However, there are important factors to consider when placing a new structure, like the proximity of the house or boundary lines.

Understanding the regulations surrounding garden outbuildings is essential in ensuring compliance and avoiding any potential fines.

white garden shed standing on the grass

Planning Permission And Building Regulations When Placing A Shed Near A House

It is essential to understand the building regulations and permitted developments in order to legally place a shed near a house.

Understanding Building Regulations And Permitted Development

When constructing an outbuilding such as a shed, greenhouse, summer house or garden building near a residential property, it is important to comply with local planning laws and building regulations.

These rules vary from one location to another so it is best to check with thelocal authorities for exact requirements. Accordingto permitted development rights in England, sheds must be placed at least 1 metre away from any boundary lines of your premises but cannot exceed the height of 4 metres above the highest point.

Furthermore, if your structure is within 1 metre of the bounder line then you must choose non-combustible materials (such as concrete blocks) when constructing it in order to keep its exempt status.

Failure to follow these regulations can resultin fines or even requiring you dismantle your structure altogether in extreme cases.

shed standing in the garden

The Need For Planning Permission

It is important to make sure that any shed you build near your house complies with the necessary regulations. Planning permission and building regulations will both need to be taken into account before placing a shed near your home.

When it comes to planning, outbuildings must not exceed 50% of the total area of land around your house, meaning that current outbuildings on site must also be considered.

If you are putting up a new shed, you may need planning permission if its size is restricted due to surrounding buildings or designated land in the vicinity.

garden shed standing in the garden

Minimum Distance Requirements

When you plan to put a shed near your house, there are certain minimum distance requirements that must be taken into account. Building regulations stipulate that a shed should be at least 1m away from any boundary which includes fences, walls and other property features.

For outbuildings larger than 15-30 square metres, planning permission may need to be obtained as well.

In the UK it is typically accepted for one not to need apply for planning permission when building a garden or timber shed if the height does not exceed 2.5 meters and it is placed at least two meters away from any fence of boundary lines.

On properties located more than 20metres away from the wall of an original home, sheds with floor areas smaller than 10 square metres will normally be approved without an application process too.

brown garden shed standing in the garden

Maximum Height Limitations

When placing a shed near a house, it is important to adhere to the maximum height limitations as set out in local building regulations. The eaves (the place where the sloping roof meets the vertical walls of your shed) should not exceed 2.5 metres in height, and the overall height of your may not be greater than 2.5 metres from existing ground level.

To measure correctly for maximum height limitations, draw a straight line between the eaves and highest point (including chimney stacks if applicable). This measurement indicates how tall a single storey with a maximum eaves can legally be without needing planning permission – assuming all other requirements are met too.

It’s always best practice to mark this distance off on marked posts clearly visible from both sides of any boundaries present so that neighbours or local authority inspectors can get an accurate idea when they visit at any time.

The consequences of going over allowed heights vary according to area, but usually involve fines and required rebuilding work – both likely resulting in significant expenditure which could easily have been avoided by careful research into local building codes before starting construction works or purchasing a new shed!

Brown white garden shed with chairs

Factors To Consider When Placing A Shed Near A House

When putting a shed near the house, it is essential to consider various factors such as purpose, accessibility and convenience, privacy and aesthetics, safety concerns and sun exposure.

The Purpose Of The Shed

When plugging in a shed near your house, one of the key questions to consider is what purpose the shed will serve. Whether you want to use it as a place for storage or workspace, there are lots of practical benefits a garden shed can offer around the house.

A well-positioned garden shed can be an invaluable addition that provides extra storage and space for gardening activities such as potting plants, propagating cuttings, painting plant containers and other DIY projects.

It also offers additional space away from noise and distraction where you can relax and enjoy some much needed peace in your own outdoor oasis away from everyday life. Additionally, if you have kids who like playing out in their playhouse then positioning it close to your home would make it easier for parents to supervise them outside without leaving the comfort of the indoors.

open garden shed with tools

Accessibility And Convenience

Accessibility and convenience are essential factors to consider when placing a shed near a house. It is important to ensure that the shed can be easily accessed so that tools, lawn mowers, and other garden supplies can be quickly and conveniently retrieved when needed.

In addition, if neighbours are affected by the location of the shed, it is courteous to allow them access through your property in order for them to maintain their fencing or walls.

To make sure your shed is both accessible and convenient, try positioning it close enough to the main house so that you won’t have difficulty reaching it regularly but far enough away from boundaries or neighbouring structures so as not cause disruption or interfere with any existing rights of way.

Make sure pathways provide easy movement between different sections of your garden including directly linking up with such fixtures like paved paths or patios around the rear of houses where applicable.

brown garden shed with a flower planter

Privacy And Aesthetics

When placing a shed near the house, one must consider how it would impact both privacy and aesthetics of the homeowner’s backyard. It is important to ensure that your new shed is not too close to the boundary lines or fences so as not to encroach on your neighbour’s property and compromise their own privacy.

Positioning should also take into account whether or not a structure is visible from neighbouring backyards, streets, and paths.

The aesthetic value of your garden needs consideration too; depending on where you choose to put your new shed will determine if you have an aesthetically pleasing space or one that looks crowded and cluttered – placement too close to walls can have this effect! Also think about practical safety issues such as ensuring there’s enough space around the shed for manoeuvring heavy garden equipment like lawn mowerswithout obstruction when accessing it or working inside.

brown garden shed with a window

Safety Concerns

When considering the placement of a shed near your house, it is important to think about safety. The first thing to consider are associated with stored equipment, tools and any flammable materials that you may keep in the structure.

You should also be aware that if your shed is too close to a fence or other outbuilding owned by a neighbour then they may have rights over it if it affects their own property.

It’s therefore best to maintain good relations with neighbours when buildiing and installing a new shed near your home.

In terms of physical safety there are several factors to take into account. Firstly, the maximum height for most sheds must not exceed two metres; exceeding this limit can make them vulnerable to strong winds or even just create an eyesore within your garden setting.

Secondly, accessibility – both from inside and outside – needs planning as well as secure locks on doors/gates where appropriate . Finally consider drainage issues such as sun direction/exposure , guttering systems, proper foundations etc so as to ensure structural stability during all weathers in order protect its contents from potential flooding/ damage over time.

two garden sheds standing on the grass

Sun Exposure And Drainage

Sun exposure and drainage are both important factors to consider when placing a shed near a house. Sunlight helps keep wood dry, so ensuring the shed has adequate airflow is key to its longevity.

If your shed is placed too close to trees or buildings it may get little light or air, causing rainwater and moisture build up which can damage the structure of the shed over time.

Furthermore, proper drainage will ensure that there’s no pooling of water around the base of the shed as this could lead to rotting or rusting of metal fixtures within it in wet weather.

To maximize sun exposure and ventilation for your new outbuilding make sure you position it at least two meters away from neighbouring fences and well away from any trees on your property – leaving at least three feet free between them will also help reduce shade caused by foliage during summer months.

shed sitting in the far distance

Recommended Distances For Placing A Shed Near A House

It is essential to research the recommended distances for placing a shed near a house, in order to stay within local regulations and make sure your new shed will meet all relevant requirements.

Typical Distances According To Building Regulations

When it comes to placing a shed close to a house, the UK has specific regulations that should be followed. In general, for single-storey buildings it is recommended you leave at least two metres from your property boundary and the outbuilding must not exceed 2.5m in eaves height or 3m in ridge height when placed thisclosely.

Additionally, no sleeping accommodation can be provided in the new building and any verandas, balconies or raised platforms are not permitted on sheds within two metres of your boundaries either.

These regulations exist to ensure that homeowners keep sheds safe and also compliant with their neighbouring properties – if too close an eye could lead to disputes between neighbours over issues such as noise level and views being impeded by garden buildings placed too nearyby.

Factors That May Require Additional Distance

When placing a shed or outbuilding near a house, it is essential to consider various factors that may require additional distance. For example, the size of the shed and the materials it is made from can have an impact on how close a shed can be placed to the house.

If a large wooden structure is being built to contain heavy machinery or multiple storeys are proposed, then more space may need to be left between the two structures. Other regulations such as amenity SPD requirements will also factor into whether extra clearance needs to be given for safety reasons and privacy considerations.

It’s also important for homeowners in certain areas of Britain to ensure that their new garden building does not exceed two metres in height according to permitted development rights granted by local planning authorities.

shed standing on the shores of the water

Options For Shed Placement On Your Property

When planning where to put your shed, it’s important to consider a range of factors. Depending on where you live, the regulations and local planning laws for sheds can be complicated, so it’s always best to research the rules in your area before moving forward with construction.

If in doubt about permitted development or whether you need planning permission for your new shed, check with your local council first.

In terms of positioning within an available plot or land space, many people like to build their shed close to their home for accessibility purposes. However this isn’t always necessary – if you have sufficient free room in other parts of the garden then this may still be an option despite possibly being further away from entry points into the domestic property itself.

Tips For Successfully Placing A Shed Near A House

– Research and planning

– Communication with neighbours

– Proper installation and maintenance

– Compliance with all regulations and requirements

By taking the necessary steps to ensure your shed is properly placed near your home, you can rest assured that it has been safely built for lasting use.

run down shed standing in the garden

Research And Planning

When it comes to deciding how close to place a shed near a house, research and planning is an important step. Knowing local regulations and zoning laws can ensure compliance when putting the shed up.

In addition, knowing these rules can help deter legal troubles with neighbours over the placement of your garden building. Researching specific factors such as access, sunlight exposure, drainage, slope of ground etc should also be accounted for while positioning the new shed.

All structures must represent at least two metres from any property line or fence line in order to maintain everyone’s privacy and comfortability.

two neighbour shed standing next to each other

Communication With Neighbours

Communication with neighbours is essential when placing a shed near a house. Not only is it polite and courteous to involve them in the process, but potential legal issues may also come into play.

Depending on zoning regulations or neighbourhood guidelines, your neighbour may need to be involved from the start in order for you to get permission to install your shed.

In addition, if their property line is within a certain distance of yours, they can potentially enforce minimum distances between buildings that are enforced by local law or governed by permits issued through the HM Land Registry.

Beyond legalities, there’s also many practical matters that should be considered before building a shed close to your neighbours’ fenceline. Accessibility and convenience should be taken into account as well as aesthetics and privacy considerations – nobody wants an eye-sore blocking their view! When approaching neighbours about installing a new shed it’s important to keep one thing in mind: compromise comes first above all else.

It’s not only best practice – its required if you don’t want complaints against any modifications made on shared boundaries such as fences or pathways constructed too close together.

shed foundation during installation

Proper Installation And Maintenance

When it comes to placing a shed near a house, proper and professional installation is an important consideration. Using the right materials, positioning it correctly away from boundaries and house foundations, ensuring waterproofing measures are in place—these factors can all contribute to a successful installation that won’t impact your home or cause water damage.

Regular maintenance over time is also important for longevity. Clean out leaves and dust/dirt build-up inside the shed as needed and check for signs of rotting wood or rust on exteriors and hinges.

Make sure any tools left in the shed are secured away properly, so they don’t attract pests. Investing in quality locks can help prevent burglaries too (as mentioned in “How to Prevent Shed Burglaries”), while security lights add another layer of protection at night times.

brown shed with a white roof

Compliance With All Regulations And Requirements

Building a shed near your house is a common idea — it can add storage capacity, provide an area for hobbies or tools, and even increase the aesthetic value of your home.

But before you begin to build, gardeners need to understand the regulations and requirements they must follow.

Planning permission might be required in some situations (such as when building an outbuilding larger than 15sq meters), while permitted development may allow smaller structures without needing any consent from local authorities.

When calculating distances from other buildings such as fences or sheds, typically there should at least be two metres between them. However, when looking at fire safety rules there can also be additional considerations depending on how often someone will use the space within their outbuilding- these rules become more complicated if flammable substances like paint thinner are stored inside too! To summarize: obtaining all necessary permissions beforehand is key for having peace of mind that what you’re doing won’t land you in trouble later down the line.

Another crucially important factor is knowing what kind of materials will suspend better in wet environments – things like pressure treated lumber come pre-impregnated so that they don’t rot easily! Ultimately remember: taking care of all legal measures necessary before starting construction eliminates potential problems further down the road/ A bit of due diligence goes along way… Lastly remember proper installation methods & maintenance throughout time are also essential – check manufacturer advice recommendations on these matters early during research stages where possible

All in All

Placing a shed near a house requires careful consideration of the surrounding environment and regulations. Understanding local planning permission and building regulations is essential when deciding where to put your new shed.

It’s important to keep in mind the purpose of the shed, accessibility, safety concerns, aesthetics, sun and drainage exposure when attempting to place your shed as close as possible without any potential issues from neighbours or authorities.

In order for successful placement of your outbuilding it’s recommended that you research both Building Regulations and Planning Permission thoroughly beforehand. Single storey sheds must not be more than 2 metres tall according to existing laws whilst achieving minimum distances away from boundaries such as neighbouring gardens and roads may also be required.

Crucially, communication with neighbours should always remain friendly particularly if talking about placing a structure closer than regulations dictate in order to avoid any future disputes or complications.

Thanks for reading.


Dale

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