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Many of us might have an idea of where we want to place our shed before it’s even arrived – but there can be complications with just placing it anywhere. The best location to position a shed doesn’t only depend on what your garden has to offer. There are many factors to consider, and proximity to boundaries is one of them. In this case, fence post spacing is a huge deal.
Failure to comply could get on your neighbour’s nerves. Even worse, result in fines or legal issues down the line.
Unsure of how close can your shed be to a fence? This can vary depending on your location and local zoning laws. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the ideal distance for a garden building and the boundary fence.
Key takeaways:
- It’s important to follow local regulations when building or installing a garden shed. The distance between the structure and a fence panel is one of the vital variables involved.
- The rule can depend on the specific regulations and codes of the local government. It may include the home proximity, fence line and other surrounding structures.
These rules don’t just apply to sheds. If you have a summer house or log cabin, they apply to these buildings too.
Leaving Space Around Your Shed
How close a shed or garden room is to the fence posts can make a big difference. Leaving space also does wonders not only for the structure itself but also for the sake of the zoning rules.
First, it allows for proper air circulation, preventing mould and moisture build-up. Proper spacing also makes it easier to maintain and access. Moreover, you can walk around, clean it and do necessary repairs or upgrades in the future.
Finally, you can prevent damage to the fence in position. If the shed is too close, it could cause the fence to warp or rot over time due to moisture. Or it may be too close to your neighbour’s boundary, and they may not like the idea.
With these in mind, experts recommend leaving at least 24 inches around the entirety of your shed. Plus, with 2 feet to spare, it’ll be easy to make any changes or do anything with the outdoor building in the future.
Why Following the Rules Is Important
There may be instances where obeying the legal requirements seems unnecessary. It could be because your current neighbour is okay with your shed along their property line. Or the possible issues may seem irrelevant in your case.
Keep in mind that neglecting planning permission rights won’t do you any good in the long run. This can even lead to penalties, which may vary depending on your local council.
Generally, the fine includes a legal order to remove the garden building from the garden. Another scenario is neighbour disputes. This disagreement could lead to something more stressful than the fencing position itself.
Thus, it’s always best to follow your local requirements and install your shed where it belongs. This will help save you both time and money, as well as a good relationship with your neighbours.
But what happens if your neighbour has built or is planning to build a shed against your fence? You may have a right to object and/or complain to your local council, given that you’re against it.
How Close Can a Shed Be to a Fence?
Know the regulations and rules surrounding the placement of your garden shed. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Check with your local government
Doing so will help you be certain of the regulations surrounding sheds and fences in your area. Some may have specific rules, while others may not have any regulations at all. You can check with your zoning office for more information.
2. Consider the height of your shed
In addition to the distance between your shed and the fence, you’ll also need to consider the height of your shed. It may need to be a certain distance away from your fence if it exceeds a certain height.
Suppose your shed is taller than six feet. Chances are you may need to place it a certain distance away from your fence to comply.
In some areas, you’re allowed to build as close as four feet away from your property line. In other cases, your LPA may recommend 10-15 feet away. But generally, you need to maintain at least 5 feet between the further edge of your shed and the fence.
3. The type of fence
If you have a wooden fence, you’ll want to make sure that your shed isn’t too close to prevent moisture or pests attack. For metal or vinyl fence posts, you may not need to worry as much about this issue.
Practical Considerations
On top of legal concerns, here are some of the reasons why it’s crucial not to build sheds too close to a property line:
Privacy and security
A good fence can help to keep your shed and its contents safe and secure from potential intruders. It can also provide privacy, especially if neighbours overlook your garden. For this purpose, a stronger fence is essential.
Think about access
Situate it too close to a fence, and you may not be able to open and close the close properly. Placing a wall nearby the fence could also hinder you from treating the shed. As mentioned, your shed should be easily accessible on all four sides.
The visual impact
A proper fence post spacing can help frame your shed and make it a feature of your garden rather than an eyesore. Use a fence that complements the style and colour of the unit. Or go for something that blends in with the natural surroundings of your property. If you have a non-timber building, for instance a plastic shed, then it might be sensible to play it away from fencing.
Your neighbours
The right spacing of fence posts can prevent any conflicts with neighbouring properties. At the same time, this ensures your investment is positioned in the best possible spot for your needs.
You may want to consult with your neighbours before positioning your shed. This is especially helpful if it’s close to a shared boundary. Avoid placing it too close to any boundary lines, and definitely don’t use the shed to replace a section of fencing!
With the right fence position, your shed can be a valuable and attractive part of your garden instead of a sore.
Round-up
So, how close can you build your wooden shed or metal garden building to the fence? There should be a certain distance from property lines and neighbouring structures. But then again, this can depend on the specific regulations and codes of your planning council. A good rule for garden sheds is to keep at least half a metre between the building and the boundary.
We hope this guide has given you ideas on what you should expect, regardless. Inquire with your Local Planning Authority by all means.
