Putting up a garden shed is a common project for Brussels homeowners. The good news: in some cases, no permit is needed at all.
Garden sheds exempt from planning permission
The Order of 13 November 2008 (works exempt from a permit) provides an exemption from planning permission for an outbuilding that stands apart from the main building and is not used as a dwelling. Typically: a garden shed, a cabin or outdoor storage.
Conditions for the exemption
To qualify for the exemption, all of the following conditions must be met:
- Located in the courtyard and garden area
- Floor area (ground projection, roof included) ≤ 9 m²
- Height ≤ 3 m
- Stays within the 45° plane in relation to the party walls (height of 1.5 m on the party boundary)
- Not used as a dwelling
- Detached from the main building and its annexes
The rule requiring 50% of the courtyard and garden area to remain permeable (RRU, the Regional Urban Planning Regulation, Title I, Art. 13) must also be respected.
When is a permit required?
A permit is required if:
- The shed exceeds 9 m² of floor area or 3 m in height
- It is attached to the main building (it is then no longer a “detached” building)
- It is in the front setback area, or visible from the public road under certain conditions
- It departs from the RRU, the RCU (municipal urban planning regulation) or a PPAS (special land-use plan)
Do you need an architect?
If the shed is exempt from planning permission, it is automatically exempt from the architect requirement too. If a permit is required, you may still be exempt from hiring an architect as long as the construction involves no structural work.
Practical tips
- Measure the ground projection carefully, roof included (roof overhangs count)
- Check the height of the party walls to work out the 45° plane
- If in doubt, ask your municipality’s planning department
- Keep proof of the installation date (invoice, dated photos)
Garden sheds in your municipality
The regional rules are the same in all 19 municipalities, but the planning department that handles your application, and any municipal regulations, differ from one to the next. Find the procedure and contact details for your municipality:
Anderlecht · Auderghem · Berchem-Sainte-Agathe · City of Brussels · Etterbeek · Evere · Forest · Ganshoren · Ixelles · Jette · Koekelberg · Molenbeek-Saint-Jean · Saint-Gilles · Saint-Josse-ten-Noode · Schaerbeek · Uccle · Watermael-Boitsfort · Woluwe-Saint-Lambert · Woluwe-Saint-Pierre