When it comes to building a shed, choosing where to put it can be just as important as what you choose to build it from.
And getting this part of the process wrong can lead to some serious headaches down the road.
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How Close Can You Have A Shed To Your House?
Most authorities and insurance companies require sheds without power and water hook up to be at least 40 feet away from any other structure, including your home.
But local regulations can vary a lot so it is always best to thoroughly check out your local authority what you can and cannot do.
One of the main reasons for a 40 feet distance between structures is Incase of a fire, the fire department has enough space to safely work around structures on your property.
There are also concerns about the weight and build-up of snow on roofs between structures built very close together.
When checking building regulations, you’ll probably find that no two jurisdictions are the same.
Some authorities require that you have any two structures a minimum distance from each other, a minimum distance from your side property line, and a minimum from your backline.
Some also state that the size of your m shed can only be a certain percentage of the total size of your lot or home’s total floor space.
Sheds with power and water can sometimes be placed closer, though.
It’s extremely important that you fully check everything out at a local level so you know exactly what you can and can’t do regarding the building of your shed.
To find out more about where to place your shed in comparison to your house, as well as other items on your property, keep reading.
This article tells you everything you need to know about properly placing your shed in your yard.
Related Article: Can I Build A Shed Next To My Neighbor’s Fence?
What Should The Minimum Distance Be Between Your Shed And House?
Many factors impact the minimum distance that should be maintained between your shed and home.
Generally speaking, many local authorities and insurance companies require sheds to be placed 40 feet away from homes, specifically if they do not have electricity or water.
Of course, other factors can impact the minimum distance.
Read Your Limitations
The first step to determine the minimum distance between your shed and home is to read your limitations based on the area you live in.
Certain cities require you to get permits, as well as place the shed a certain distance from your home.
You can contact your local government to find out your limitations.
Talk To Your HOA
In addition to local governances, you need to talk to your Homeowners Association (HOA) if you have one.
Some Homeowners Associations have limitations on where sheds should be placed.
Most placements have to do with the shed’s proximity to other property lines, but it could also relate to where the shed is placed in proximity to your home.
What Can Happen If You Place A Shed Too Close To Your Home?
You might be thinking, “What’s the big fuss?
Why do I have to place my shed 40 feet away from my home?”
Well, the answer is rather simple.
You can get fined, sued, or experience unsafe situations if you place a shed too close to your home.
Let’s look at each of these drawbacks in more detail.
Fines
If your local community has limitations on the proximity between a shed and your house, you could get fined if you do not abide by the laws.
The last thing you want is to get repeatedly fined by the city simply because you placed the shed a couple of feet too close to your home.
And costs will further pile up if you have to take your shed down and rebuild it.
Get Sued
Similarly, you can get sued by your neighbors if the placement of your shed does not abide by the Homeowners Association’s stipulations.
The point of these stipulations is to increase the property value of all the homes.
If your shed is too close, your neighbors can sue for damaging the property value.
Your neighbors probably won’t be too happy about double standards either.
If they have to abide by certain rules and laws they will expect you to have to do the same.
Accidents
One of the more dangerous drawbacks of placing a shed too close to your home is that it can lead to fires and other dangerous situations.
Because sheds tend to house tools that may contain fuel and other dangerous items, it’s best to place the shed away from your home in the case of a worst-case scenario.
In addition to keeping your shed about 40 feet away from your house, you also need to keep it between 10 and 15 feet away from your property line.
The exact distance will depend on your local authorities and Homeowners Association.
Check with both to ensure that the shed is placed correctly in proximity to the property lines.
Damp, Mold, And Rot
If you place your shed close to your house, and water runs off your house onto your shed every time it rains, it will cause your shed to rot a lot faster.
Final Thoughts
To ensure that your shed is placed correctly, you should shoot to place it about 40 feet away from your home.
This distance abides by most municipalities and Homeowners Associations, as well as keeps your home safe in the case that something should go wrong.
Of course, always check with your local ordinances and Homeowners Association before installing the shed.
Every area has different stipulations.
Make sure your shed follows them to protect yourself from fines, getting sued, and accidents.
