Site object rules catalog — United States
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 Often no permit if ≤200 sq ft (one story); zoning/setbacks still apply
- Setback to side/rear boundary Typically ~5–15 ft side, ~20–40 ft rear (set by local zoning)
Garden structure
Greenhouse
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Setback to boundary Typically ~5–15 ft side, ~20–40 ft rear (local zoning)
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 ~5–15 ft side, ~20–40 ft rear (set by local zoning)
- Wood-fired heat clearance Set by local building/fire code — verify before building
Outbuilding
Garage
Auxiliary · usually permanent
- Permit Check the local building code
- Setback to boundary Typically ~5–15 ft side, ~20–40 ft rear (local zoning)
- On the boundary? Only if local zoning permits; fire-rated wall may apply
Outbuilding
Carport / canopy
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Setback to boundary Typically ~5–15 ft side, ~20–40 ft rear (local zoning)
Bath & shower
Outdoor shower
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Distance to boundary / greywater Set by local zoning & health code — check before building
Animal housing
Poultry / rabbit house
Auxiliary · depends on foundation
- Permit Check the local building code
- Animal yard/manure to well 50–100 ft (state/Title 5 guidance)
- Setback to boundary Set by local zoning/animal ordinance — verify
Sanitation facility
Outdoor toilet
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Pit privy to well 100 ft preferred, never <50 ft (MI health code)
- Nonportable privy to well (MN) 50 ft minimum
Sanitation facility
Septic tank / treatment unit
Auxiliary · usually permanent
- Permit Check the local building code
- Septic tank to well ≥50 ft (Title 5 / state)
- Drainfield to well ≥100 ft typical (Title 5)
- Setback to property line Set by local/state permit — check health dept
Water source
Well / borehole
Auxiliary · depends on foundation
- Permit Check the local building code
- Well to septic tank ≥50 ft (MN state health code)
- Well to drainfield ~100 ft typical (Title 5); 50 ft minimum in MN
- Well to buried sewer 20 ft (approved pipe) to 50 ft (MN)
Composting area
Compost bin
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Compost/manure to well 50–100 ft as a guide (state/Title 5)
- Odour/runoff to boundary Keep clear of neighbour — set by local nuisance/zoning
Open-fire facility
Barbecue grill / mangal
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Grill to combustible construction 10 ft (IFC §308.1.4; 1–2 family dwellings exempt)
Open-fire facility
Fire pit
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Recreational fire to structure ≥25 ft (IFC §307.4.2)
- Open burning (uncontained) to structure ≥50 ft (IFC §307.4); ≥15 ft in an approved container
- Local burn bans May apply seasonally — check city/county