How Big Can a Shed Be Without Planning Permission?

Are you wondering how big of a shed can i build without a permit? Because if you are looking for building a shed and attempting to avoid the hassle associated with paperwork, this involves knowing the rules. Regulations regarding the size limit can vary based on the actual location where you will put this shed.

In this article, we will describe what the size restrictions are in US, UK, Australia, and Canada. We can also talk about what kind of consequence you may bring upon yourself if you are building without a permit issued and why it is often better to follow the law.

What Is Planning Permission Exactly?

But before going directly to what maximum shed size is allowed without a permit, there's the need for understanding what permission of planning actually is. In layman terms, permission for planning is the form of approval that might be given by a local council or any authority to you as you proceed to work on some building projects on your property.

This could be anything from building a new shed to extending your home. The purpose of planning permission is to make sure that your project is safe, adheres to local laws, and does not negatively affect the community or environment.

So, before commencing your shed project, it is good to know whether you need permission or not.

Maximum Shed Size without Permit

The maximum size of the shed that can be constructed without permit also varies from location to location. Following are various countries' breakdowns:

1. United States: Typically, sheds up to 120 square feet do not need a permit to build in most states. While this is a consideration by numerous states, some counties and cities apply the above threshold. Some places will give you up to 144 square feet, after which you will need approval for structures above this size. It is best to check the local ordinances for the proper information.
2. United Kingdom: You can build a shed yourself in England, up to 2.5 meters high, with a floor area of up to 15 square meters in area, provided it's not within 2 meters of a boundary. If they are larger or more complicated, especially with plumbing and electrical installations, you would need to get a permit.
3. Australia: Rules vary per state, but most sheds under 10 square meters are usually considered exempt. Sometimes it's up to 20 square meters, especially in country areas. Always check with your local council to confirm.
4. Canada: Ontario does not require a permit for sheds if they are 15 square meters or less. There may be further restrictions depending on municipalities regarding height and proximity to property lines.

What Happens If You Build a Shed without Permit?

Depending on where you live and the particular regulations at play, building a shed without a permit can result in a variety of headaches. The possible consequences include:

1. Fines and Penalties: Most municipalities will issue fines against you if you build something, like a shed, without the proper permit. These fines can become quite large, especially for larger structures or those built in violation of zoning laws.
2. Compulsory Demolition: For whatever reason, if your shed does not come out to meet the building code or is constructed without permission, you will be issued a demolition order. A result of this can increase your costs as you may have to dismantle the shed and dispose of it.
3. The Hard Times of Selling Your Property: When you want to sell a house, an illegal shed could be a headache for you. Prospective buyers aren't too keen on houses with structures that are in bad standing with local laws. Otherwise, they might ask the owner to take down or legalize the shed, which could postpone the sale if not cancel it.
4. Insurance Issues: If the shed is not approved, it may not fall under your property insurance policy. Therefore, if some damage or accident occurs with the shed, you may be liable to pay all costs yourself.
5. Safety Issues: Without permits, you're not meeting standards that may be required of you for safety. With a shed that includes electric or plumbing, for instance, you could be taking a serious risk with both your safety and the safety of others. This can easily lead to more serious penalties if issues arise later in the future.

In short, skipping the permit process might save you time initially, but the long-term consequences can be costly and problematic. Always check with your local authorities about the legality of the structure you're putting up, and whether or not your shed complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

Why Is It Important to Get a Permit?

Getting a permit will ensure that your shed is at least up to minimum safety requirements. Building codes are in place to protect people from hazards that may come up, such as structural failure or fire. If your shed includes electricity or plumbing, a permit ensures it's installed safely.

A permit also keeps you within the law. Without one, you run the risk of fines, enforced removal, or problems selling your property.

Besides, permits protect your investment. If anything goes wrong, an unapproved shed is not covered by insurance, meaning you are faced with expensive repairs.

In other words, permits prevent legal, financial, and safety problems, which means peace of mind for you and any future owners.

How to Get Planning Permission

Here are the steps you can follow:

• Check Local Regulations

Before you start, know the laws where you live. Shed size, shed placement and the distance to property lines all have varying restrictions from one place to another. Check your local council website or speak with a member about your area.

• Submit Your Plans

You will need to go ahead and submit your shed plans, including size, design, and location on your property where you want it. Ensure that everything is in line with guidelines; otherwise, any form of discrepancy may create delays. The clearer and more complete your plans are, the easier the approval will be.

• Consider Neighbors

Just because the shed is in your area does not mean you will need to think about anyone but yourself. Think of the neighbors and how it would affect them, even by being too close or impeding a view of anything. Some areas make the homeowner notify or acquire neighbors' approval. Being sensitive helps save problems for later on.

• Wait for Approval

Once your plans are submitted, you will have to wait for approval. This may take a few weeks. Without getting the green light, do not start building; building without approval can lead to fines or having to remove the shed.

You will be legally approving your shed and avoiding any future issues, following all these steps.

Conclusion

So that's all you need to know about how big of a shed can you build without a permit. Different places offer different size limits on sheds without permits. But even so, obtaining a permit may be very often a very good idea, as it might save one so much hassle and keep everything legal and safe.

By checking local rules, submitting your plans, considering your neighbors, and waiting for approval, you may be able to avoid hefty fines or having to remove your shed later on. It's always worth it to take the time to do things the right way.