If you are a garden owner and think that you can build a tool shed in a hidden corner of the garden without prior planning permission, this can cause you a lot of trouble. In many communities, you are not even allowed to set up a not-too-large garden house without the approval of the authorities, as public building law sets clearly defined limits for this measure.
Can I set up a garden house without building permit?
Whether a garden house can be built without a building permit depends on the municipality, size, construction and use. In many cases, garden houses without a foundation and with a small height and area do not require approval. Check with your local building authority before purchasing.
What does the need for a permit depend on?
The factors that play a role in building permits are diverse. These include:
- The type and construction of the arbor.
- The volume in cubic meters, which is calculated from the size.
- The planned facilities such as sanitary facilities, heating or a kitchen.
- Future use.
These conditions are regulated differently in all federal states, depending on the municipality.
The application for approval
The building permit is issued by the responsible building authority in your municipality. When submitting the application, you should have the following documents ready:
- The completed application form.
- The building description, which contains all relevant data.
- A precise site plan on a scale of 1:500, which also shows the distances, boundaries and the built-up area.
In some cases, additional documentation is required. It is therefore advisable to contact the building authority in advance and, if necessary, consult an architect.
How big can a garden house without a permit be?
In many communities, tool sheds without a foundation that are less than 2.50 meters high and do not exceed a built-up area of three by four meters do not require a permit. In built-up areas, however, the volume can only be ten cubic meters, which corresponds to a very small tool shed at best. In addition, the limit distances of the applicable building regulations must be strictly adhered to.
If you want to place the tool shed on a solid foundation, which is strongly recommended for many surfaces, permission is often required. The ancillary facilities, which include garden houses, may also only be located within strictly defined building limits. It is also important to maintain certain distances from neighboring properties.
Don’t forget the neighbors
Even if the garden house requires approval and the municipality gives the green light for construction, you should talk to your neighbors. Even if you maintain the required distances when setting up the hut, the house can provide additional shade, perhaps in the exact spot where your neighbor prefers to relax in the sun. In this case, annoying lawsuits could result and permanently put a strain on friendly contact with neighbors.
Tip
It is advisable to contact the local building authority before purchasing an expensive garden house to find out the regional requirements. This is the only way you can be sure that you don't have to dismantle the new house again just because the model you want exceeds the permitted height or size.
