When you are assembling a shed in your backyard, it is important to know the distance requirements before you build the shed. This will prevent a situation of building the shed too close to your fence. There are good reasons sheds should never be too close to the fences of a home. You will understand why as we go along with this discussion. However, how close is too close for your shed to the fence?
If your shed is less than 5 feet from your fence, this could be considered too close to the fence. This might not be enough airflow to get rid of excess moisture, which will be leading to damage in the future. There is no exact distance that your shed has to be, but there are things to consider.
The thing you need to understand regarding your shed and your fence is that there are pretty good reasons there should be enough space between them. Most of these reasons are practical and they will make sense once we discuss them more. That said, let’s look at some things you need to know to determine whether your shed is already too close to the fence or not.
Why does the distance from the fence matter?
When you are assembling a shed in your backyard, you shouldn’t be just assembling it in any area of your property. That’s because there are some considerations that you need to look at in relation to the distance between your shed and other things in the backyard. We are talking about any fencing, maybe a pool or garden pond. Any of these things can raise potential problems in the future if the shed is built too close to them.
The distance from your shed to the fence matters for several reasons. First, it can impact the structural integrity of both the shed and the fence. If the shed is too close to the fence, it can cause damage to the fence, and if the fence is too close to the shed, it can limit access to the shed.
Second, the distance can affect the aesthetics of your backyard. If the shed is too close to the fence, it can look cramped and cluttered. Conversely, if it’s too far away, it may not be easily accessible or visible from the house.
Finally, the distance can impact the value of your property. If we constructed too close the shed to the fence, it may violate local building codes and regulations, which could cause penalties and fines. If you decide to sell your property in the future, a shed that violates local codes could be a red flag for potential buyers.
How to Determine the Distance from Your Shed to the Fence?
To determine the distance from your shed to the fence, you’ll need to measure the distance from the edge of the shed’s roof to the fence. If you’re constructing a new shed, it’s best to do this before you build to ensure compliance with local regulations.
What Are the Consequences of Not Complying with the Distance Requirement?
If your shed violates the minimum distance requirement, you may face penalties and fines from your local authorities. You may be required to remove or move the shed, which can be costly and time-consuming.
How to Ensure Compliance with Local Building Codes and Regulations?
To ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations, it’s essential to research the requirements for your area before constructing a shed. This may involve contacting your local building department or zoning board for information.
How close should the shed be to your fence?
Now that you know you need to put some space between your shed and your fence, how close should the shed be to your fence? To determine the distance from your shed to the fence, you’ll need to measure the distance from the edge of the shed’s roof to the fence. If you’re constructing a new shed, it’s best to do this before you build to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Basically, there really is no way of telling how close the shed should be to your fence. That’s because there are plenty of factors that you need to look at to answer that question. So, in that regard, let’s look at the different factors that should help you decide how much space you need to put between your shed and your fence:
The law
Different jurisdictions have different laws in relation to sheds. You also need to consider that there are some laws that actually have specific rules in relation to how far your shed should be to the property line and how big the shed should be. Of course, depending on how big the shed is, you may have to secure a building permit first.
For instance in California, the shed limit in terms of how large a shed can be without having to secure a building permit is 120 square meters. Once the shed is bigger than that, you would have to acquire a building permit.
Similarly, in California again, you need to make sure that your shed is about 4 feet away from the property line. Meanwhile, there may be some places that require you to stay away about 10 to 15 feet from the property line.
In the UK, you need to make sure that your shed is at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from the boundary of another property. Here, we are talking about a fence or a wall. If that is the case, you don’t need to secure a building permit. But if you are talking about a shed that’s over 2 meters away from the boundary of a property, you would have to secure a building permit.
Cities that are more congested are more likely to allow you to have a smaller space between the boundary line of another property when you are building a shed. Meanwhile, the smaller the city, the larger the space required between your shed and the fence.
In all instances, the law should be the first thing to look at when you are deciding where you want to put your shed on the property. If the law states that it should be 4 feet, make sure that you place at least 4 feet between the shed and the fence.
Access to the shed
During, the accessibility to the shed is another thing to look at is the access you have to your shed. It is imperative to locate an appropriate spot for the shed that would facilitate smooth accessibility. Ideally, the shed should be on a paved surface that offers easy access. Opting for a paved area also reduces the likelihood of the shed being situated in proximity to waterlogged regions.
Furthermore, it is imperative to ensure that the shed is not located in the vicinity of large trees on the premises, as the roots of the trees can jeopardize the foundation and the base of the shed. Additionally, trees can pose a significant challenge in terms of moisture accumulation.
Regarding the fence, it is recommended to place the shed in an area that is conveniently accessible via pavement but not too close to the fence. The problem arises when the fence and the pavement are situated in close proximity, making it difficult to identify a location that is in close proximity to a paved pathway but not near the fence.
The neighbors
While some may deem it unimportant, it is crucial to consider the impact of neighbors when determining the placement of your shed. Neglecting this aspect may lead to potential conflicts and escalate to the governing body of your neighborhood, which could be troublesome.
Your neighbors’ attitude towards the construction of a new structure too close to the boundary line, especially the fence, should be taken into account. Depending on the relationship you share with the neighbor next door, it might be necessary to move the shed a tad further away from the fence.
Nonetheless, if the neighbors are not worried, you could possibly locate the shed close to the fence while ensuring that it satisfies the legal requirements with enough space between the fence and the shed.
It is important not to use the fence as the foundation for your shed, as this might upset your neighbors.
Remember that, although it is your property, we should also regard the opinions of others in the neighborhood when determining the placement of your shed.
Practical considerations
The Importance of Ventilation
- Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup and preserves the shed’s structure
- Placing the shed too close to the fence traps moisture and can lead to mold, mildew, and rot
- Keeping the shed farther from the fence allows for proper air circulation and prevents these problems
Protection from the Elements
- The closer the shed is to the fence, the more exposure it has to wind, rain, and snow
- These elements can damage the shed and require costly repairs and maintenance
- Placing the shed farther from the fence provides some protection from the elements and prolongs its lifespan
The Benefits of Natural Light
- Placing the shed farther from the fence allows for increased natural light
- Natural light reduces energy costs, enhances the aesthetic of the shed, and promotes healthy plant growth
The Advantages of Accessibility
- Placing the shed farther from the fence improves accessibility
- Having enough space to move equipment in and out of the building makes maintenance and repairs easier and less time-consuming
The Aesthetic of Your Outdoor Living Space
- The placement of the shed affects the overall aesthetic of your yard
- Placing the shed too close to the fence can look cluttered and cramped, detracting from the yard’s beauty
- Placing the shed farther from the fence creates a more balanced and harmonious look that enhances the overall beauty of the outdoor living space.
Conclusion
The distance between your shed and fence is crucial for practical, aesthetic, and regulatory reasons. The structural integrity of both the shed and fence can be compromised if they are too close, and it can also limit access to the shed. Additionally, local building codes and regulations should be followed to avoid penalties and fines.
While there is no specific distance requirement for every location, it is important to research the laws and regulations in your area before constructing a shed. By doing so, you can ensure that your shed is safe and functional, and adds value to your property.
