Everything you need to know about your new Garden Shed

Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner aiming to enhance your setup, a garden shed can bring essential organization, space, and flair to your backyard. Below, we will discuss some of the zoning and permitting requirements, sizing suggestions, the pros and cons, and ways to make your backyard garden shed unique!

Zoning and Permitting

Depending on the area you live in, there may be certain requirements on where and how big your backyard shed can be. For example, in Sycamore, Illinois, you are required to:

• Obtain a permit for any structure larger than 25 sq ft. Make sure to check https://www.cityofsycamore.com/157/Community-Development to know what kind of permit you need and any other city requirements.

• Make sure to check the setback requirements and easement locations.

  • Setback - the minimum distance an outdoor shed or structure must be from another building, street, etc.

  • Easement - Access for the maintenance of a utility line and its associated equipment.

• Site Plan needed - hand-drawn document to show the shed's location, dimensions, setbacks, etc.

*If you are in another city/state, make sure to double-check the right location and specifications for your area.

Shed Sizing

The size of the shed you need tends to be most people's biggest decision when seeking an outdoor shed for their property. The first thing you need to decide is what you need to fit in your shed to figure out the size you need. We recommend using some painter's tape to map out the square feet of the size shed you think you need, and try organizing all of your items within the tape. Click the buttons below to see our shed sizing chart and the list of all shed size options Shed Crafters of Sycamore offers.

Sizing Chart

Size Options

Here are some pros and cons from other garden shed owners:

Pros:

• More storage space. You get to have your garage back, woohoo!

• A dedicated workspace for all of your gardening projects.

• Organization - Utilizing the walls and inputting shelves into your garden shed can be a game-changer

• Protection - Having somewhere indoors to put your gardening equipment keeps everything new and from rusting.

• Enhance property value.

• Completely customizable - make it fit you and your needs.

Cons:

• Permits and regulations - discussed above.

• Space requirements - some yards might not meet your city's requirements to have an outdoor shed.

• Limited Insulation - sheds can be difficult to insulate, which may make it tough to do some cleanup projects in the off-season.

• Maintenance - Woods sheds may require more maintenance, like sealing, painting, or staining

Ways to make your garden shed unique:

• Plan a landscape around your shed

  
  

  Let your garden shed but just a part of the show by creating your dream garden around it!

  

• Incorporate a "Green Roof"

  
  

  Try growing succulents or sedum on your garden shed to get in on the Green Roof trend. The succulents will also help keep the shed cooler and soak up rainwater!

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    Green Roof

    
    
  
  

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