Choosing the Best Location for Your Shed

Classic Shed Ottawa

Selecting the right location for your shed is just as important as choosing the right size and design. A well-placed shed can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard, while also optimizing the functionality of the shed. You want to get this right the first time because sheds are not easily moved. So, take some time to consider the following:

1. Assess Your Needs

Before deciding on a location, think about how you’ll be using your shed. Will it be storage for off- season items? Will it be for yard and gardening tools? Will you be potting inside the shed? Will it be your workshop/hobby room? Understanding its primary use will help to inform your decision regarding its placement.

2. Evaluate Accessibility

Accessibility is a critical factor in determining the best location. Most people need regular access to the items in their shed during the nice weather, so think about:

  • Proximity to Your Home: Placing the shed within a reasonable distance from your house allows for convenient access. Sheds that are set 200 feet back on a large lot tend to see much less use and items gather in the garage, defeating the benefits of having a shed.
  • Ease of Access: Ensure that there will be a clear pathway to the shed, free of obstructions like trees, bushes and fences. Undoubtedly, you’ll be bringing items in and out on a regular basis, so you don’t want to make this difficult each time.
  • Driveway Access: Is access to your shed from the yard sufficient or do you need access from the driveway to get bicycles or a snow blower in and out? Not all properties can accommodate this placement, but if yours can, and it would make life easier, it’s certainly worth considering.

3. Sunlight and Shade

The amount of sunlight or shade that your shed receives can impact its functionality:

  • Gardening Shed: If your shed is primarily for gardening tools and potting plants, you might want it in a sunnier location where seedlings will receive a lot of light.
  • Workshop: A shady location may be preferable for a workshop where you’ll be spending a lot of time because a shed in full sun will get quite hot inside.
  • Ventilation: Consider how sunlight will affect the internal temperature of the shed. Operating windows, vented soffit and roof/gable vents will make it much more comfortable inside, and ventilation is important to maintain the longevity of your shed and the items in it.

4. Drainage Considerations

While not all yards have options, when you do have more than one location that would be suitable for a shed, aim for the following:

  • Slope: A site with a minimum slope to facilitate drainage away from the shed. Try to avoid low points in the yard where water pools during the spring thaw or during a heavy rain.
  • Soil Type: Opt for an area where the soil hard. By virtue of its weight, a shed will sink in soft soil. If this is the scenario in your yard, you’ll want to look at having your builder install a shed base.
  • Shed Base: While it’s always better to have a base than to not have one, it’s critical when the soil under the shed is soft. A proper base will provide both stability and drainage, helping to prevent shifting and sinking.

5. City Requirements

You will want to ensure that the size and placement of your shed is allowable on your property. The company that you’re working with should be able to provide this information, though you can also contact the City/township directly. Depending on the size of your shed, the following may come into
play:

  • Setbacks: There will be a setback from all property lines that the structure is abutting. In Ottawa and many of the surrounding areas, for sheds up to 160 square feet, the edge of the roof of the shed is required to be two feet from property lines. This setback increases for structures over 160 square feet, unless there is an existing structure and the placement is grandfathered.
  • Size Restrictions: A shed up to 160 square feet is typically permitted in residential yards and it does not require a permit, so the two foot setback applies. When the structure is over 160 square feet, a permit is required, the setbacks increase and the size of the structure cannot exceed 50% of the yard in which it will be built.
  • Permits: Any structure over 160 square feet requires a building permit in Ontario. The City will review the architectural drawing and site plan to ensure that large structures will be built to comply with the Ontario Building Code and that the proposed placement of the structure meets zoning and grading bylaws. There will be City inspections during the construction process to ensure that everything is being done according to the approved plans.

6. Aesthetic Considerations

Most people want their shed to complement their property and they opt for a style and finishes that look nice and are coordinated with their house. Consider the following:

  • Visual Impact: Choose a location that maintains the visual flow of your yard. Avoid placing it in a spot that disrupts the natural landscape or blocks scenic views.
  • Landscaping: Think about how landscaping can enhance the visual integration of your shed into the yard as a whole. You might want to bring interlock pavers up to the shed and garden around it.
  • Material and Color: Select a shed that coordinates with other colours in your yard, whether it’s a colour on your house, on your fence or in your pavers. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to match; often a contrasting colour looks nice and adds design flair.

Choosing the optimum location for your shed requires thoughtful consideration of your specific needs, environmental factors, bylaws and aesthetics. By taking the time to carefully evaluate these elements, you’ll not only enhance the utility of your shed, but also its contribution to your property’s value and appearance.