Distance from the garage to the neighbor’s fence: how much can you build on, how much should you retreat according to SNiP, law and standards in SNT and individual housing construction

When building a permanent garage for your car on an individual housing construction site or in a SNT, many standards must be taken into account. You need to understand at what distance from the fence you can build a garage in order to avoid problems with neighbors. It is necessary to determine in advance the list of permits for the construction of buildings of this type. This will allow you to avoid problems upon completion of the construction of a garage next to the fence due to violation of the distance norm according to SNiP (SP), fire regulations and legal requirements.

In a private house

Rules and regulations

The construction of buildings on the site must be carried out without violating building codes and regulations (SNiP, SP), which determine the technical and legal requirements in terms of architectural surveys and urban planning.

In the cottage

To be able to register a new building as a real estate property, you need to obtain the appropriate permission.

The exception is the following circumstances:

The idea of building a garage is not connected with the desire to make a profit from renting it out, repairing vehicles, and so on.
They are also going to install a car box on land owned by the owner, designated for housing construction or non-profit gardening activities (SNT or dacha cooperative).
The car box does not have a foundation, for example, a metal one. Therefore, it does not apply to capital construction projects.

Construction in the Moscow region in rural areas.
In all other cases, the owner of the site is obliged to contact the architectural department of local authorities, providing the following documents:

a written statement with mandatory information (from whom, to whom, circumstances and essence of the request);
certificate or document confirming ownership of land;
a copy of the identity document of the owner of the land plot;
basic topographic reference to the area;
technical documentation with BTI assessment information;
main cadastral plan for housing construction and surrounding areas;
scheme for entering communications into the housing construction area;
project.

Having accepted the application, the official is obliged to issue a receipt to the applicant stating that the documents have been accepted for consideration. The decision on whether it is possible to build a garage in the declared location is made within ten working days. In practice, this procedure takes longer.

If a negative decision is received, then the documents must be returned according to the list. The applicant has the right to re-submit a petition to the same body after changing the construction plan or may appeal to the courts to appeal an administrative, in the opinion of the applicant, unlawful refusal.

Why is all this needed?

All the norms discussed above look quite strict. In many cases, their literal implementation is simply impossible - due to the small area of the land plot or its incorrect configuration. Try to place a modern house, a shed for equipment, several apple trees, a gazebo, bushes, a shower and a toilet in full compliance with the standards on a six-acre site, especially if it is narrow and elongated. Namely, such areas are often cut up due to a basic shortage of land.

In such cases, construction is still possible, but all details must be agreed upon with local authorities. Or, as an option, come to terms with the fact that you will have to give up your dream of a nice, spacious two-story cottage.

And, of course, the interests of neighbors must be taken into account, otherwise conflicts may arise due to improper placement of buildings. Here are just a few reasons for such “friction”:

the fence is too high and blind, shading part of the territory;
a thick fence occupies part of the neighbors’ territory, which is already small;
a large house shades the territory of the neighboring plot.

It is worth remembering that the requirements and standards of SNiP and GOST were developed solely for reasons of fire and sanitary safety. To avoid such conflicts, which often lead to litigation, it is enough to simply try to follow all the existing rules.

Did you find this article helpful? Please share it on social networks: Don't forget to bookmark the Nedvio website. We talk about construction, renovation, and country real estate in an interesting, useful and understandable way.

Standards for distance from buildings and boundaries of neighboring plots

Obtaining a building permit largely depends on compliance with the requirements of SNiP (SP) in the construction project, in particular, whether the minimum permitted distances to courtyard buildings, neighboring houses and infrastructure facilities are observed during the construction of a garage.

Location of buildings on the individual housing construction site according to SNiP and SanPiN

SNiP norms for 1997, as well as SP 53.13330.2019, prescribe the following for outbuildings, which include a car room:

distance from residential buildings, if the garage is attached - 3 meters;
distance to other outbuildings (barn, separate attic, etc.) from 1 m;
the distance from the fence to the garage is from 1 meter;
at least 1 m to the bush;
distance from trees of average height from 2 meters;
the distance between the extension and tall trees is from 4 m;
the distance to the neighbor’s residential building is at least 6 meters;
to the “red line” (the border of private households and municipal land) more than 5 m.

Read: Safe distance from power lines to the fence: the norm according to SNiP and the law in the areas of SNT and individual housing construction

It must be remembered that a garage cannot be built close to the fence, namely:

You need to make a 1 meter indentation from your neighbors' fence.
If there is no fence, then you must retreat 1 m from the neighboring border of the property.

Fencing in the private sector

Subtleties

Important restrictions on the placement of the car box and the functioning of its individual structural elements:

If the garage is attached to the house, then the distance to the nearest building should be at least 3 m.
When placing the box with the gate facing the street, a distance of 3 meters from the road must be maintained.
The distance from the garage to the roadway in villages and cities is at least 5 m, while the calculation of the distance is made from the base of the building or roof if its protrusion exceeds 0.5 meters.
If one of the sides is adjacent not to the neighbor’s fence, but to an alley, then the distance to the road should be less than 3 meters.
Installation closer than 2 meters to a power line support is not permitted.

Setbacks from the border of a neighbor’s property according to SNiP and SanPiN standards.
Violation of SNiP regulations, in case of unauthorized construction, is not a basis for initiating administrative or criminal proceedings. But the initiation of a complaint by a neighbor or an investigation into the consequences of an emergency due to the fault of an attached building will lead to the court making a decision precisely in accordance with SNiP.

Selecting a location

The first thing you need to start with is to figure out where the future building will stand. Here you need to take into account the requirements of the owner himself, what equipment will be stored inside, how and where it will be used

The reasonable location of the described structure on the site is also important. A building located too far away will require the organization of access roads to it, which, in addition to their high price, will also cover a significant part of the useful fertile soil, and another more worthy use can be found for it

In this case, it is necessary that all norms and rules are observed, the interests of neighbors are not violated and the distance from the fence to the garage is maintained.

Russian civil legislation provides for the absence of a special permit for the construction of a garage, on the one hand. On the other hand, a garage is an outbuilding, the construction of which still requires all permits.

Minimum offsets from the red line

The previously mentioned property line designation of land is an important factor in determining the feasibility of construction in the selected location.

As a rule, on state territory near private houses there are lighting poles, information signs, etc.

Main gas supply lines, water supply and drainage communications are hidden underground. They are combined with pedestrian paths, and in many cases, highways and local roads.

How much do you need to retreat during construction?

Construction restrictions make it possible to ensure unhindered 24-hour access to life support lines for the population. The master plan (GPZU) of any settlement contains the exact location of the red lines. If in the documentation submitted for approval the distance from it to the box is less than 5 m, then a negative answer will most likely be received.

There is a high probability that if the construction of a building was carried out without taking into account the distance to the red line, the owner will be forced to demolish it by court decision.

Subtleties of construction next to wooden buildings

The proximity to a courtyard where a wooden residential building is built increases the mandatory distance to 15 meters. At the same time, the right to agree with the owner on reducing this distance is retained. The agreement is drawn up in writing and certified by a notary.

The same procedure for neighbors to resolve the issue applies to brick buildings, if it is necessary to build a room for a car at a distance of less than 6 m. A prerequisite for receiving a positive answer from a neighbor is to ensure sufficient fire safety measures.

Norms on the individual housing construction site

To do this you need:

install an external shield with recommended fire-fighting accessories;
place a fire extinguisher in the room;
ensure that the room is not heated;
place the electrical power supply distribution panel outside the building;
equip the electrical panel with an automatic load switch;
trace the wires in a protective metal sleeve;
equip lighting devices with factory shades.

If the above recommendations are not followed, you may not only lose the opportunity to resolve the issue peacefully, but also aggravate the situation as a whole.

Thus, guided by Article 304 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the owner of a neighboring plot may demand that construction and operation be brought into compliance with fire regulations. Failure to comply with the permitted construction distances is a direct possibility of fire spreading.

Read: Distance from the septic tank to the fence: SNiP and SanPiN standards from the border of the neighbor’s property

In the country

What distances should there be on individual housing construction sites?

To comply with these requirements, you must:

Place an external shield containing all the equipment that will help get rid of a fire if it occurs.
A fire extinguisher must be provided.
No heating of the structure is permitted.
The location of the power supply panel must be outside the premises and there must be a load switch.
The wires are in a protective metal sleeve. This is a mandatory requirement.
Lighting fixtures must be equipped with factory shades. If something happens to them, you must contact the manufacturer.

If the above advice is not followed, this may lead to negative consequences and deprivation of the opportunity to resolve the dispute.

Where is the best place to build?

In order to have fewer questions when coordinating documentation with the architects of the local administration, the construction of a capital box should be planned taking into account the following:

If the building is located inside a courtyard area, then the entry of a car should not be accompanied by additional maneuvers.
There should be enough space on the inside of the entrance gate to lock the garage door.
The entrance to the garage, if it is adjacent to the street, must be designed to provide sufficient visibility for the safe maneuver of exiting vehicles.
Opening the gate should not interfere with the movement of pedestrians and passing cars.
The building should not block the access of light to the neighbor’s vegetable garden or garden if it contains low-growing varieties of trees.
Water drainage from the roof must be directed to the territory of its site in the SNT or individual housing construction, both from the roof and along the ground using a ditch.
Planting your own trees is carried out taking into account the requirements of SNiP (SP).
If you decide to build a garage adjacent to the house or allocate a basement floor for it, then all fire safety standards must be met. They relate to the equipment of the room with a hood, fire equipment, and a fire alarm.

Norms and rules
If the garage is located in a private house on the ground floor, then fire safety rules allow parking and storing vehicles running on liquid fuel there.

Garage dimensions

When designing, you should calculate the dimensions of the garage to ensure minimal comfortable and safe use. They can be:

on both sides of the car - 0.75 meters;
if there are columns - at least 0.5 m;
from the trunk and hood of the car - at least 0.6 meters;
with impressive parking dimensions, when parking cars one after another - 0.5 m;

In accordance with SNiP (SP) standards, the ceiling height is taken to be the distance from the surface of the floor covering to the maximum protruding lighting fixture or communication element. The safety gap to the car cannot be less than 0.2 m.

Following the recommendations will not only help you comfortably use the room for its intended purpose, but also in a critical situation.

At the summer cottage

For example, in the event of a fire, this will allow the evacuation of vehicles and stop the spread of fire.

Detached or attached garage - is there a difference?

Each owner of a private home decides which box is best to keep the car in. This depends on the characteristics of the land and the layout of the courtyard. The need to arrange a turning area, the convenience of the access road, and the distance from a residential building and other buildings should be taken into account.

When choosing an attached garage to the house, they take into account the distance to the fence, but this structure has many advantages, one of which is a common wall with the main building. Approximation makes it possible to extend all utility networks available in the home from the central system.

This extension is very convenient and practical and therefore is very popular

In most cases, an attached garage box is located below floor level; it is not necessary to install heating in it, but it can be used as a technical room and additional storage room. An attached garage has more than just positive qualities. Its differences from a free-standing structure are important and sometimes play a decisive role in the choice made by the car owner:

Attached car box:

It is built on a separate foundation.
Has a separate roof.
Equipped with all engineering networks, including heating and ventilation.
It does not take up additional courtyard space, being built on a specially selected location.
There is no need to open the gate if the box is built in such a way that entry is directly from the street.

However, such a structure requires high-quality sound insulation and it is better to refuse to use inexpensive roofing materials, which will not save significant money.

A detached garage box is popular despite the fact that it occupies a fairly large area in the courtyard. But during its construction, you can choose inexpensive slate or corrugated sheeting to cover the roof. You can completely abandon sound insulation.

There are also certain disadvantages that should be taken into account when deciding to build a detached garage.

Most often, construction work begins with pouring the foundation. The distance from the box to the house (even a small one) forces you to go outside in any weather or build a canopy, which entails additional costs. You also need to spend money on arranging a room for a car, providing communications, cable networks, lighting and heating.

How much do you need to step back from the fence when building a garage?

In cities and villages, similar situations often arise that have simple solutions, including:

The owner built a garage close to the fence, but he doesn’t know what to do. The most correct decision is to fulfill all fire safety training requirements and come to an agreement with the neighbor, documenting the absence of objections.
When a neighbor built a garage next to the fence, without retreating, violating the 1 meter standard, and the side wall is adjacent to the fence, what should you do? If construction took place without approval, then you need to file an application with the court.
How much should you step back from your neighbor's house if it is wooden and there is no fence around the property? You should focus on the recommended standards - 15 meters. You can install an iron or brick garage after agreement with your neighbor.
How far should you step back from the fence when building a garage if the red line is 9 meters away? With such a distance from the property line of the land, the minimum distance between the garage and the fence must, by law, be at least 1 meter.
Settlement in the household after its acquisition occurred later than the time the neighbor built the garage; it turned out that the distances were maintained, and the light did not enter the yard. The courtyard is not a vegetable or garden area. Distances have been maintained, and there is nothing to file claims in court for. In this case, all that remains is to redevelop your site as much as possible.

Read: At what distance from the house can you build a bathhouse according to fire standards, SNiP 2021

Every year the country's legislation is improved, and SNiP requirements undergo changes. In this regard, to obtain objective information in each specific case, you should seek advice from practicing specialists.

This also applies if difficulties arise when independently preparing a project for a future garage on your individual housing construction site or in SNT.

How many meters to retreat when erecting an individual building on a site is shown in the video below.

Issue resolution and judicial practice

Clarification of relations between neighbors in the courts is an extreme measure used in cases where it is impossible to find mutual understanding. But if it is not possible to dispose of your land to build a garage due to unfounded claims, then there are no other ways to prove your case.

In the countryside

When considering a case in court, the plaintiff prepares and files a statement of claim, attaching documents of a housing nature that determine the right of ownership. Their list duplicates the necessary papers for approval of the project by the administration architects.

The plaintiff sets out the circumstances and subject of the illegal claims, methods and methods of preventing the exercise of rights on a summer cottage or in a private house. The statement of claim is supplemented with evidence in the case in the form of photographs and video materials.

Before preparing a statement of claim, you should make sure that there are no violations on the part of the plaintiff, and that the norms for distances from residential and auxiliary premises are met.

Otherwise, it will not be possible to count on a positive decision.

Some terminology

Before you begin certain actions related to the construction of a garage, you need to understand what rights the developer has at the site of the proposed construction:

the land plot may be owned by the developer;
it can be used on the basis of a rental agreement;
the land can go to the developer on the basis of the right to use it indefinitely for its intended purpose;
There is the option of hereditary ownership of land and its limited use.

The developer must understand that in order to complete documents for construction work, it may be necessary to transfer a plot of land from one category to another.

In conclusion

When the distance from the garage to the fence or the border of the plot, as well as to other objects on the land plot by the owner of the household, is observed, then the incomprehensible claims of interested parties can be resolved by conducting control measurements.

Car in the country

This data will be sufficient to establish correctness in any authority. There will also be an opportunity to assert your rights in the event of established facts of violations by the owners of neighboring plots in the country or in the private sector in the village.