International building law: Garden sheds in Europe

Austria: The sovereignty of the federal states

In Austria, as in Germany, building law is a matter for the nine federal states.

• The key question: Is the building project ‘exempt from planning permission’, ‘subject to notification’ or ‘subject to planning permission’?
• The limits: In many federal states (e.g. Lower Austria or Styria), garden sheds with a floor area of up to approx. 10–15 m² are exempt from planning permission, provided they do not exceed a certain height (often 3 m).
• Important: In Vienna, the rules are stricter. Furthermore, throughout Austria, neighbours’ rights must be observed, which often require written consent if distances are not met.
  
  

Switzerland: Cantonal regulations

In Switzerland, the cantons and individual municipalities set the rules.

• Micro-structures: Many cantons recognise the concept of ‘micro-structures’, which do not require a formal planning permission process. The floor area limits are often between 6 and 10 m².
• Boundary distances: Switzerland is very precise when it comes to boundary distances. Even if no building permit is required, the boundary distances must be observed in accordance with the Civil Code.
• Special feature: In agricultural zones (outside building zones), construction is almost impossible.
  
  

Luxembourg: Focus on the “Plan d'Aménagement Général” (PAG)

In Luxembourg, the local authority (commune) is the decisive body.

• PAG & PAP: Every municipality has a general development plan (PAG) which specifies whether a ‘garden shed’ is permitted.
• Permit: As a rule, a permit from the mayor (“Autorisation de construire”) is required for buildings over 2 m in height or of a certain area. Our cubes (2.45 m) almost always fall under this requirement.
  
  

Liechtenstein: Small-scale building regulations

The Principality often follows Swiss standards but has its own building regulations.

No permit required: So-called “small structures” (up to a certain floor area and without heating systems) are often exempt from the permit requirement, but must still comply with the distance regulations regarding neighbours.

France: “Déclaration Préalable” vs. “Permis de Construire”

France has a very clear, tiered system (Code de l'urbanisme):

• Under 5 m²: Generally no notification required (except in conservation areas).
• 5 m² to 20 m²: A “Déclaration Préalable de Travaux” (DP) is mandatory here. This is a simplified procedure at the Mairie.
• Over 20 m²: A full planning application (“Permis de Construire”) is required.
• Special note: Extremely strict design requirements apply in the vicinity of historic monuments (ABF – Architecte des Bâtiments de France).
  
  

Italy: “CILA” and landscape conservation

Italy has a complex bureaucratic system, as landscape conservation (Vincolo Paesaggistico) plays a major role.

• Edilizia Libera: Small garden sheds often fall under “free building”, but still frequently require a notification known as CILA (Comunicazione Inizio Lavori Asseverata).
• The material: In Italy, the local council may question the use of Trespa^® material if the design does not fit in with the local “Piano Regolatore”. A technical justification of its high quality is essential here.
  
  

Spain: “Licencia de Obra”

In Spain, the decision lies with the local councils (Ayuntamientos).

• Obra Menor: A garden shed is usually classified as an “Obra Menor” (minor building project). Nevertheless, a permit must be obtained and a fee (tax) paid.
• Coastal protection (Ley de Costas): The rules are extremely strict near the coast. Often, nothing of a permanent nature may be built here. Due to the way they are assembled, our cubes are often considered permanent structures.
  
  

UK: “Permitted Development Rights”

The United Kingdom has a system that is very advantageous for builders:

• Outbuildings: Garden sheds fall under “Permitted Development” if they are situated behind the front wall of the house, are no more than 2.5 m high (when placed within 2 m of the boundary) and do not occupy more than 50% of the garden.
• Tailor-made: Our standard height of 2.45 m is perfect for the UK market, as it usually remains just below the critical 2.50 m limit, which would trigger a lengthy planning application.