How big can a garden shed be?
Various laws regulate how big a garden shed can be so that you don't need a permit to build it. The rules are complicated.
How big a permit-free house can be
Two different laws in Germany regulate what you can build on a property without a permit. The state building regulations (LBO) and the Federal Allotment Garden Act determine how big a house can be so that no building permit is required.
- According to the Federal Allotment Garden Act, the floor area of the house including a roofed over terrace 24 square meters.
- According to the building laws of the federal states, a size of 30 to 75 cubic meters is permitted, depending on the country.
- The calculation of the built-up space is regulated differently in the individual countries.
- It may be that only garden houses that are connected to a house do not require a permit.
- As a rule, a distance of three meters to the property boundaries must be maintained.
- Border development is possible in individual cases.
The allotment garden law and some building regulations stipulate that the house must not be suitable for living (no kitchen, no bathroom).
Development plan of the municipalities and other rules
Before you buy or start planning, it is essential to check with your municipality and look at the development plan. In some state building codes there are different regulations for built-up and undeveloped areas. In Baden-Württemberg, for example, a house in the construction area can have a size of 40 cubic meters. Only 20 cubic meters are allowed in open spaces.
Most countries make no distinction between a tool shed and one Garden shedif this is not suitable for residential purposes. A small house with a kitchen, toilet and bathroom almost always has to be approved. It is living space and is subject to other regulations. Under certain circumstances, the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) must be observed here.
A permanent foundation is also problematic in a garden shed. The laws usually stipulate that the building must be removable at any time.
From a certain maximum limit, you need a building permit for your garden shed. …
Ask first, then buy
If you want to build a garden house in an allotment garden colony, it is sufficient to speak to the board of the responsible association. Most clubs have plans or precise specifications as to which house you are allowed to build.
If the house is to be in your own garden or in an open space, it is best to opt for a kit house. Look specifically for a garden shed that complies with the regulations of the respective building code.
Get all the documents about this house, especially a sketch with dimensions. If you build one yourself, you make one yourself.
Make an appointment with an employee of the lower building authority of your municipality or city administration. Present the documents. They will tell you whether you need a building permit for the house and what you may need to consider.
If the house you want requires approval, find out which documents you need to submit for a building application. Most garden house manufacturers have ready-made documents to submit such an application. Depending on the individual case, you may also need the consent of your neighbors.
Do not buy the house until you have permission from the authorities. There is no way you can start building before you have this one.
Since there are no clear regulations as to how big a house that does not require a permit, you must always inquire about the permitted dimensions. You will not find a simple regulation in any federal state from which you can find the height, width and length of the structure.
