ᐅ Building a Garden Shed... Is a Building Permit Necessary? Potential Detours?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to build a larger garden shed next year. At the moment, I have a 3x3 m (10x10 ft) prefabricated wooden cabin. I would like to tear it down and build a solid small cabin made of aerated concrete.

According to my online research, in Saxony, up to 10 m² (108 ft²) is exempt from building permits/planning permission. I will probably exceed this size, but I would like to avoid hiring an architect and going through the building permit application process.

Is it possible to build two separate sheds of 10 m² (108 ft²) each, spaced 3-4 m (10-13 ft) apart, and connect them with a roof? (Something like a covered seating area in between.) Would this still be permit-free since each building stays within the 10 m² limit, or how is this usually viewed?

Best regards

Dare123 schrieb:

Would this be exempt from a building permit since it stays within the 10 m² (108 sq ft) limit, or how is this usually regarded?

No, because this is considered a single construction project. If the structures are to be treated as separate projects, they must be independent both in terms of time and function. So even if you build the first shed this year and the second one next year, the connecting roof would create a functional link that triggers the requirement for a building permit.
Additionally, it should be noted that even if no permit is needed, you still have to comply with land use regulations. For example, if there is a zoning plan, you must verify whether multiple sheds are allowed.

Thank you for the quick response.

I had already suspected that there might be some traps here as well.

I just find it crazy to go through architects, the building authority, etc., including significant costs, for a "garden shed."

There is no zoning plan. It is an infill development in a village.
Are there any experiences with how authorities handle cases where such a construction is done without permission and is reported by a neighbor or someone else?
Would it be possible to submit a building permit / planning permission application afterwards, or would the only option be demolition?

Hello Dare123

I am facing a similar issue. I am planning to build a garage. Normally, it does not require a building permit / planning permission. However, since I already have a large double garage, the smaller garage is added to it, and then it no longer qualifies as permit-exempt.

The building authority told me that I could submit the building application myself, without an architect, and it would likely be reviewed favorably.

Steven

Dare123 schrieb:
Are there any experiences on how authorities handle cases where construction is carried out without permission and reported by a neighbor or someone else? Would it be possible to submit a building permit / planning permission application afterward, or is the only option to dismantle the construction?

I assume that an inspection will follow to determine whether the project can be approved. If that is the case, submitting a building permit / planning permission application should certainly be possible. Whether there will be additional penalties, I do not know.

Steven schrieb:

The building authority told me that I could submit the building application myself, without an architect, and that it would be reviewed favorably.

I asked my building authority the same question regarding a carport and was told that the building application can only be submitted by a qualified building professional.