Just about every homeowner has a relationship with their neighbors either good or bad.
Even if you have a great relationship with your neighbors it doesn’t mean they’re going to love the idea of a new building next to their fence.
Before you get started on building a shed office next to a neighbors fence you’ll want to know how they feel about it, what the local regulations are and have an understanding of any environmental concerns you may come up against.
Can I Build a Shed Next to a Neighbors Fence?
In most countries and municipalities you can look at building a shed office next to a neighbors fence without any planning permission. That includes next to your neighbors fence.
As long as your new shed structure is a small building, not attached to your home, without electrical or plumbing you can move forward with your build without consulting any authorities. If you are looking to add power and even a toilet you will most likely need permission and a permit to get started.
How Close Can I Look At building a shed office next to a neighbors fence?
Things can get a little more complicated when it comes to how much space you need to leave between your new shed office and your fence. In some jurisdictions you only need to leave a couple of feet, while in others it may be as much as 15 feet.
Regulations can also vary greatly by country, so as a rule it’s a good idea to consult your local planning department before proceeding with any type of build. Below are some links for building code information in different countries:
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds United States
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds Canada
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds United Kingdom
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds Ireland
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds Australia
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds New Zealand
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds Bermuda
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds Barbados
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds India
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds South Africa
- Building Permit Guidelines for Sheds Kenya
Do I Need a Permit for building a shed office next to a neighbors fence?
A permit will be needed if you’re building a larger structure — usually bigger than 120 square feet depending on where you live. The table below outlines requirements in several different countries for a quick reference.
If you decide you want to run permanent electrical power to your shed office you will need to obtain a permit for the alterations no matter how big it is. Here are some alternatives you may want to consider that will provide you with the power you need without the need for a permit:
- Solar Power panels
- Battery powered electrical source
- Heavy duty extension cord reel with built-in power outlets
- Charging equipment in home for office use
Each one of these options has both advantages and limitations. Probably the least attractive option is to just charge your equipment at home. This will limit the amount of time per day you can spend working in your shed office.
Currently I use a heavy duty extension cord reel with built-in power outlets and it works great. It’s not the best solution for colder climates though.
Every situation is different so choose the solution that’s best for you. If you have any doubts about what’s allowable in your area, contact your local planning department before you start building a shed office next to a neighbors fence.
What Do I Do if a Neighbor Doesn’t Want Me to Build a Shed Next to Their Fence?
If you’ve started laying the foundation for your shed office and you’re getting push back from your neighbor it can put a damper on your plans.
What do you do about your neighbors’ concerns? A good place to start is with an open and honest conversation with them.
Find out the reasons for their objections. They might not be against the idea of you building your new shed office — they just might not like the location you’ve chosen.
Perhaps your new shed would block the best sunlight on their patio during the day or maybe they’re concerned about your shed overhanging their property.
If you talk to them before you start to build you can overcome almost any objections before they happen.
Chances are you’ll be able to build your shed a couple of feet further from the fence perimeter and still keep a good relationship with your neighbor. That’s a win-win for everyone involved. There’s also a better chance you’ll be invited to their next neighborhood BBQ!
On the small chance you can’t come to an agreement about building a shed office next to a neighbors fence, talk to your local planning department before starting.
As long as you’re in full compliance with local laws and regulations you can still build that new outdoor office even against the wishes of your neighbor.
The last thing you want is to have to tear down the new shed office you’ve just spent thousands of dollars on. If it violates local guidelines and your neighbor lodged a formal complaint, that’s a real possibility.
5 Other Things to Consider When building a shed office next to a neighbors fence
Regional or local planning restrictions and your neighbors feelings aren’t the only things you should think about before building your new garden office. Here are 5 more important things you should consider before you build.
1| Do You Have Reasonable Access for Repairs?
If you’re only leaving a few inches of space between your new structure and your fence it’s going to be hard to access some sides of the building. If it’s ever in need of repairs this is going to make things tough. You’ll want to always make sure you leave at least enough space to have access for repairs. If you’re seriously thinking about building a shed office next to a neighbors fence, it’s a step you shouldn’t leave out.
2| Is There Enough Room to Prevent Structural Issues When Building A Shed Office Next to a Neighbors Fence?
Another important thing to consider is the potential for water pooling around your shed. If it’s too close to a fence you may end up dealing with water damage and even mold. You don’t want either of these things.
Leaving a healthy gap between your property line and your garden shed will help you avoid any water damage.
3| Is the Ground You’re Building on Solid?
A few years back we had a house with an old shed that was sunken on one side. Needless to say it wasn’t good to look at and it made the structure unsafe to use.
Before you start building a shed office next to a neighbors fence make sure you have a solid foundation. You’ll want to get years of use out of the new backyard building so it needs to be built on a solid base that will hold its weight.
4| How Might Future Neighbors React to Your Shed Office?
While you may have a great relationship with your current neighbor, that doesn’t mean the same will be true of neighbors you’ll have in the future.
It’s a good idea to be honest with yourself when building a shed office next to a neighbors fence. Do you foresee any potential issues that could crop up in the future? If you do, take them into account and adjust your building location to avoid any problems down the line.
5| Do You Have to Comply With HOA (HomeOwner Association) Restrictions?
HomeOwner Associations or HOA’s are fairly common in North America. They can have some pretty strict guidelines on what you can and can’t build on your own property. You have to keep these in mind before starting on your shed office.
If you do live in a community that falls under an HOA, be sure to talk to them first. Even if you have neighbors that already have sheds on their property, their may be some guidelines you’ll need to know to make sure your structure fits within the HOA requirements.
Time to Start That Build
Working from home out of your own backyard office shed can be great for your personal and professional life.
The last thing you need is to have your new remote work setup ruined because your neighbors are angry with you, or worse, because you didn’t have the required permits.
Consulting your neighbors, your local planning commission and any HOA you may belong to first is always the best course of action. That way you can build that new garden office with peace of mind knowing you did everything right and you won’t have to tear it down and start over.
