Object rules
Site object rules catalog — Germany
Choose a structure or utility object and check the planning passport: boundary setbacks, sanitary distances, fire-safety envelopes and source links.
Shown 14
Outbuilding
Garden shed
Auxiliary · depends on foundation
- Permit Varies by state (e.g. BW 40 m³, Bavaria 75 m³, NRW 30 m²) — check locally
- Standard setback to boundary Typically about 3 m (depth = factor × wall height; factor varies by state)
- Small building on the boundary BW: non-habitable, wall ≤3 m and ≤25 m² wall area, ≤9 m per boundary, 15 m total
Garden structure
Greenhouse
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Setback to boundary Typically about 3 m (depth = factor × wall height; factor varies by state)
- Greenhouse on the boundary (BW) Wall ≤3 m, wall area ≤25 m²; agricultural greenhouses keep ≥1 m
- Roof overhang / runoff Overhangs up to 50 cm usually ignored in the setback; keep runoff on your plot
Garden structure
Swimming pool
Auxiliary · usually permanent
- Permit Check the local building code
- Local code check Use the local municipality / emirate / county requirements before final placement.
Bath & shower
Bathhouse / sauna
Auxiliary · usually permanent
- Permit Check the local building code
- Setback to boundary Typically about 3 m (depth = factor × wall height; factor varies by state)
- Boundary privilege excluded A garden building with fireplace/habitable space cannot sit in the required setback zone
- Wood-fired stove Chimney/fire-safety approval required — confirm with chimney sweep & local authority
Outbuilding
Garage
Auxiliary · usually permanent
- Permit Check the local building code
- Garage on the boundary Allowed: wall ≤3 m, ≤9 m per boundary, 15 m total
- Otherwise standard setback Depth = factor × wall height (factor 0.4–1 by state), typically about 3 m
- Exclusions No habitable rooms; double/large/RV garages lose the boundary privilege
Outbuilding
Carport / canopy
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Carport on the boundary Allowed: wall ≤3 m, ≤9 m per boundary, 15 m total
- Roof overhang / runoff Overhangs up to 50 cm usually ignored; keep runoff on your own plot
- If oversized Standard setback: depth = factor × wall height, typically about 3 m
Bath & shower
Outdoor shower
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Greywater drainage Subject to water law — do not just soak into soil; check municipal rules
- Setback to boundary Follow accessory-building rules: ~3 m unless small/privileged
Animal housing
Poultry / rabbit house
Auxiliary · depends on foundation
- Permit Check the local building code
- Setback to boundary Often about 3 m, but varies strongly by state/municipality
- Distance to wells & neighbour windows Set by state code / municipality — confirm with the building authority
Sanitation facility
Outdoor toilet
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Distance to drinking-water well At least 50 m to a drinking-water source
- Distance to boundary At least 2 m for installation parts
- Sanitary rules Per water law / DIN 4261 — confirm with local authority
Sanitation facility
Septic tank / treatment unit
Auxiliary · usually permanent
- Permit Check the local building code
- Distance to drinking-water well At least 50 m
- Distance to dwelling At least 5 m
- Distance to boundary At least 2 m
Water source
Well / borehole
Auxiliary · depends on foundation
- Permit Subject to water law — notify/permit with local authority
- Protection distance to wastewater At least 50 m to septic/seepage/sewer/toilet
Composting area
Compost bin
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Distance to drinking-water well Stay clear of the 50 m well protection distance
- Odour / runoff to boundary Set by state neighbour law / municipality — verify locally
Open-fire facility
Barbecue grill / mangal
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Distance to non-combustible buildings At least 5 m (large grills); 3 m for small grills
- Distance to tents / timber buildings At least 10 m (large grills); 5 m for small grills
Open-fire facility
Fire pit
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Distance to buildings At least 50 m to buildings/trees/reeds and other combustibles
- Distance to forest Permit required within 100 m of forest (§19 Landeswaldgesetz)
- Small fire bowl alternative Pile height/diameter ≤1 m, only dry aged (≥2 yr) untreated wood or briquettes