How Many Sheds Can I Have On My Property?

It is commonplace for people to own properties with sheds. By virtue of ownership, one may assume that anything goes. However, there are things you ought to know as a property owner. According to applicable laws, there are things that are permissible (or not) on your property. Ignorance is not bliss and if you are found on the wrong side of the law, you will pay. That is why it is always in your best interest to ensure you are well informed on what you can or cannot do. One area you need to appreciate is on how many sheds you can have on your property.

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Rules And Regulations Are Location-Specific

The first thing you must know is that the applicable rules and regulations on sheds at properties are not universal. They vary from county to county, from state to state, and so on. Some of the rules and regulations are stringent. In some places they are quite minimal or relaxed. In other places there are zero rules and regulations regarding the number of sheds on your property. Generally you will find that rural locations tend to have zero or relaxed rules and regulations. Thus when you have a property and wish to put up some sheds, first check with your respective local authorities.

Why Checking With Local Authorities Is Important

Bear in mind that it is not only significantly big sheds that need authorization. No matter the size of the shed you wish to have on your property, check with the authorities first. At some point your shed(s) will have to be inspected. To ensure you do everything lawfully, you better get guidelines first from the authorities. The inspection and approval processes are not just to trouble you. They are meant to ensure your safety and that of others.

Sheds can pose numerous risks if constructed improperly. The requisite processes are also meant to ensure your shed(s) do not mess up the integrity of other core infrastructure. Examples of such infrastructures can be underground cables, pipes, and the like. The other aim is to ensure there are no violations of territorial integrities e.g. keeping within property lines. Overall, it will also ensure you build shed structures that are authentic and durable.

Population Density Of Your Location Is Usually A Factor

If your property is in a less or sparsely populated area, chances are there might be no limit on the number of sheds you can have. No wonder people with properties in rural areas usually have as many sheds as they want. In more or densely populated areas, the dynamics are different. That will depend on the local authority in question. In such areas it is not surprising to have stipulations stating you can only have one shed on your property. Do not rule out the possibility of no sheds being allowed at all as well.

If Allowed There Are Usually Detailed Specifications

In the event that sheds are allowed where your property is, there will usually be specifications. Obviously one of the specifications will be on how many sheds you can have. The other specifications can be on the type of shed, the design, the permissible material, and size, amongst others. There can even be specifications on where exactly on the property it should be situated. For example, it can be required that your shed should be at the rear of the main building on the property. Then it can also be required that it should be a certain minimal distance from back or side property boundaries. In some areas relatively small-sized sheds might not require a building permit.

However, it often is the case that big sheds must be preceded by a permit before construction commences. What is considered a big shed depends on the location of your property. Generally, a shed of at least 200 square feet must usually be built after you obtain a permit. In some places you can find permits being required for sheds at least 120 square feet. If your property is situated in a place where sheds are allowed, take time to grasp all the detailed specifications.

Real Life Example – New York

If your property is or under the New York jurisdiction let us look at some of the applicable rules and regulations. You are allowed to build one shed measuring 100 square feet without the need for a permit. The shed should be situated at least 2 feet from property lines. If the shed is bigger than 100 square feet, a permit is required. If the shed size is over 144 square feet, distance from property line should be at least 5 feet. The bigger they get, the more, intricate, and more stringent the specifications become.

Size And Spacing Specifications Can Guide On Number Of Sheds

In some places, there can be specific stipulations stating the limit on the number sheds you can have on your property. Some can say only one and some areas have no limit. The size and spacing specifications of your shed(s) can also paint a picture for you. Let us suppose more than one shed is allowed on your property. Given the size of your shed(s) and required distance from property lines, you can tell how many sheds you can have. This is even made easier if there are stipulations on where on your property the sheds should be situated. For instance, sheds might only be permissible at the back of your main building on the property. How big that space is will clearly give you an idea.

The bottom line is that you should get detailed guidance from your respective local authorities. Such authorities can be municipal authorities. In some cases it can be residential associations if there is one. Whether either or both are available, work with them from the onset. This will avoid the inconvenience of building a shed or sheds that get condemned in the end. Another possibility is having an unsanctioned shed causing injury or loss of human life.