It’s easy to think of your yard as your own little world. You add things, change things, enjoy the space without much thought. But in many places, even basic improvements are watched by city regulations. Cross the line, and that upgrade could become an expensive mistake.
Read on for 10 backyard projects that can get you in trouble.
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Building a fence too tall
Having a fence is a normal part of owning a house. However, most municipalities restrict their height, particularly in front yards or next to sidewalks. Violate that restriction by even a foot and you may be required to take the offending fence down at your own expense and pay fines as well.
Adding an outdoor kitchen without permits
Outdoor kitchens are a popular accessory, but the minute you add gas, electricity, or plumbing, you enter the realm of permits and inspections. If you skip those steps, you’ll pay for it in penalties. It may also invalidate your homeowner’s insurance in the event of an accident.
Installing a large shed
Few people realize that building a shed is often subject to permits, even if you purchase one of the pre-fabricated units. The town can restrict size, location and how close to a neighbor’s fence you can place it. The city can send an inspector who will order it to be removed at your expense if you failed to obtain permission first.
Having a backyard fire pit in the wrong area
Building a backyard fire pit may seem harmless, but some counties outright ban or heavily restrict open flames during times of the year because of wildfire concerns. If this happens to be the case where you live, using even a portable fire pit during a seasonal burn ban can get you fined.
Putting up a pool without proper barriers
Adding a pool may feel like an easy upgrade, but safety laws don’t overlook it. Once the water goes past a set depth, regulations usually call for a fence or barrier. Ignoring that rule could cost you money and open the door to legal trouble if someone is injured.
Collecting too much rainwater
Collecting and storing rainwater may also come with specific rules in some states. A small barrel may be allowed, but larger systems may be prohibited, restricted, or may require permits. Overstepping those rules could come with unexpected penalties.
Installing bright outdoor lights
Pointing floodlights into a neighbor’s window can be just as rude as it is illegal. Many municipalities have light pollution or nuisance ordinances. In some places, homeowners can be fined if too much light spills onto the street or into a neighbor’s property.
Keeping chickens or goats without permission
Backyard chickens seem like a cute hobby until you learn your town only allows a certain number, if at all. Goats or other farm animals in a suburban backyard could lead to fines in the thousands if not zoned properly.
Building a deck that extends too far
Decks seem like they should be simple, but when they step over the property setback line you can find yourself in trouble with the law. The city can force you to remove or reconstruct the deck at your expense if it encroaches into an area where it’s not allowed, and this is usually far more expensive than building it correctly in the first place.
Planting bamboo and/or trees that are invasive and/or large in size
Planting bamboo or large, invasive trees may be perfectly legal. However, a municipality can (and many towns have ordinances which) fine a homeowner if bamboo plants or large trees root or branch into a neighbor’s property or into power lines. In addition, the homeowner may be required to remove the vegetation at his/her expense.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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