High fines for building a shed in the garden. Distance from the neighbor's property is important.

A garden shed is useful for homeowners, for example, for storing tools or garden equipment. These types of structures are very common on home properties. It's worth familiarizing yourself with the regulations to avoid exposing yourself to hefty fines.

When is a permit required? building a shed?

Whether a garden shed requires notification or a permit depends on its size and whether it is permanently attached to the ground. A building permit is required for buildings larger than 35 square meters and for more than two structures per 500 square meters of plot area, such as outbuildings, garages, and sheds.

If the building is smaller than 35 square meters, the construction requires notification to the appropriate architectural and construction authority. According to construction law, a building is any structure permanently attached to the ground, spatially separated by building partitions, and possessing foundations and a roof. In many cases, garden sheds will therefore constitute a building whose construction requires notification.

However, if the garden shed is a free-standing gazebo with a building area of up to 35 m2, which is not permanently attached to the ground, no notification will be necessary.

Building a shed in the garden. What kind? distance from the plot boundary must be maintained?

The distance of a building from the plot boundary is regulated by the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of April 12, 2012, on the technical requirements for buildings and their location. According to the regulations, a building must be located at least 4 meters from the plot boundary if it has a wall with windows or doors facing it. However, if the wall is windowless or without doors, a distance of 3 meters is sufficient.

However, in the case of a garden shed, regulations permit the building to be located at a distance of no less than 1.5 meters or directly on the property line, provided the wall facing it has no windows or doors. This applies to buildings on building plots up to 16 meters wide, as well as outbuildings or garages no longer than 6.5 meters and no more than 3 meters high.

Before starting construction on a garden shed, it's also worth checking the permitted distances in the local zoning plan. Other, more specific requirements may apply.

What are the penalties for building a shed? contrary to the regulations?

If a garden shed is deemed illegal construction, the owner faces significant fines. This applies to situations where the structure was built without the required notification or is located within 1.5 meters of the property line.

Legalizing unauthorized construction costs 5,000 PLN. Otherwise, the building will have to be demolished. The owner also faces a fine for violating construction regulations. This fine is also 5,000 PLN. The total financial consequences can reach 10,000 PLN.