Garden buildings, greenhouses and sheds and planning permission - Camden Council (2024)

FAQs

Do I need permission for a garden building? ›

Garden Buildings are considered Permitted Development and do NOT require planning permission as long as: The building is to be placed less than 2.0m from the boundary of the property with a maximum overall height of no more than 2.5m from existing ground level.

Planning Permission

It covers no more than half the area of the land around the original house. It is not higher than 2.5 metres if within 2 metres of a boundary. The total height does not exceed 4 metres for a dual-pitched roof or 3 metres for any other type.

If you plan to put an outbuilding within 2 metres of your boundary it should be no taller than 2.5 metres at its highest point. These measurements vary across counties and regions, so you should always check with the local planning authority if your summer house is going to be sited close to a neighbours boundary.

In order to avoid potential buildup of mold, mildew, and rot growth, it is advised that you should leave space between a fence and a shed. This allows air to flow more freely and reduces the chances of dampness between the shed and fence.

Yes, you can put a toilet and shower in a garden room so long as you have running water and electricity connected to your outdoor building. You must also ensure you install the correct drainage system for waste water.

For this reason, homeowners can install sheds without a UCC permit (regardless of floodplain) as long as they meet the following criteria: 200 square feet or less in area; less than 10 feet in mean height; accessory to R-2, R-3, R-4, or R-5; and containing no utilities.

The quick and simple answer is: you usually don't need a permit if the shed is 120 square feet or less. In California, most jurisdictions have adopted the 120 square foot rule. If your shed area is larger than 120 square feet, it needs a building permit. If it's less than that, it doesn't.

There are exceptions, but most cities/counties require a building permit for any shed larger than 120 square feet, and any building with electrical.

Your shed is no larger than 20 square metres if you live in a residential area. If you live in a rural area (RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4 or RU5), your shed is no larger than 50 square metres. Your shed is at least 900mm away from each boundary.

If you're thinking about building a shed for tools or even a she-shed to escape the rest of the family, there are rules around these as well. Requirements in each city will be different but frequently, sheds can't be built closer than 5 feet from the rear property line or 2 feet from the side property line.

How close to the property line can you build a building? ›

Buildings should be set back from the line of property. In light of the fact that setbacks are determined by state and county, there is not a single standard for them. The front setback is commonly 10 feet, the sides four feet, and the back setback is 10 feet.

Maximum height

Including your roof, you can build up to 4 metres for a gable or 3 metres for all other designs. However, when building within 2 metres of a boundary, the total height of your garden room, including the roof, is limited to 2.5m without planning permission.

If you build on your land away from the boundary (even by a small amount), you will not need to notify your neighbour. However, if you are forming foundations, you may need serve a notice under Section 6 of the Party Wall Act, if their building is closer than 3m. See also “Excavating Near Your Neighbour”.

Although most homes don't need planning permission to build any fence types under 2m, be wary that you don't overstep your boundaries (literally) and encroach onto neighbouring land. This could lead to legal disputes, so it is best to discuss with your neighbour and refer to the land registry before installing a fence.

Yes, you can live in a garden room so long as you have the appropriate planning permission and your build adheres to building regulations to ensure it is fit for purpose.

The smallest size for a garden office is generally 8' x 10'. The most popular sizes are 12' x 8' and 12' x 10'.

Just like any other building or structure, orangeries and garden rooms need foundations to keep them supported and distribute their weight evenly.