I live closer into Boston, where lot sizes are smaller (my 1/3 acre is one of the bigger ones in my neighborhood).
We need a shed in the yard, and for lots of reasons, a great location is in my backyard. However, it feels awful close to my house and my neighbor’s house. I was wondering if anyone had any comments on this proposed site, ignoring obvious set-back issues (that is, the shed is too close to the rear line, etc.). I am thinking more around fire spread or other issues, not so much whether I am with the set-back line.
Attached is a picture of a sketch I drew of the proposed location. My house is 25′ from the back line, and my neighbor’s is 20-25′ beyond that. There is a big old maple tree that fills the gap between the two, and a 6′ stockade (in 8′ rungs between posts) that separate the boundary. The proposed shed is an 8X10 or a 6X8, under the tree, and about 7-8′ from my house (3′ off the fence in back)
One concern I have is my neighbor has a chimney on his single story house, that is only about 40′ from the property line (see picture). He burns wood for his main source of winter heat (all fall, winter and spring long). I have been nervous about sparks from his chimney catching the maple and then spreading to my house. Does the shed complicate this, or am I totally worried over nothing, or perhaps the maple is the real issue, and the shed would add little additional risk. One note: I am having the canopy on the maple raised and thinned out, so that might help, but any comments or thoughts are appreciated.
Replies
I don't know about your area, but in some as long as the structure is "temporary". i.e. floating rather than on a perm. foundation, the setbacks aren't an issue.
What the heck you storing in that shed? If you plan on lots of combustables, get a fire locker for them. I'd worry more about the neighbor setting his own house on fire more than yours.
What do you plan to use the shed for? By it's nature a 6x8 or 8x10 ends up with a fair amount of space "wasted" as walkway. My shed is right on the property line, "floating", 4'x12'; one wall is all doors and I can reach in to get everything - no wasted space. Very practical but may not meet the neighborhood aesthetics :-)
Thanks for the ideas. The shed will be on cement blocks -- no perm foundation. My wife and I worked on it a bit more tonight, and have decided that we'll put her gardening stuff in a small tool shed (maybe even the plastic variety) in one area, and this wood shed will be for the kids' stuff (bikes, etc.). Our two car garage is only about 21X22, so it's tight in there right now with all this other stuff.
Our town's bylaws say sheds smaller than 10X12 can be 6' off a back or side line, but must be 10' from other structures. A 6X8 doesn't need a permit pulled (anthing bigger, does). I think I'll go with the 6X8, mostly doors on on side, not pull a permit, but put it 3' from the line (10' from the house). I think (hope) I'll be alright.
Does your neighbor have a proper spark arrestor? I had a neighbor without one, who rarely had a fire but one night he did and sparks were flying. I knocked on the door and pointed it out to him, and he installed one. He had not known, and he was a contractor too. You could call the FD if you see sparks, and they'll straighten him right out.