Question on Storage Sheds

I've read the rules about storage sheds and I believe that what we want fits the rules but I thought I would ask before I start seriously researching it.

I've been looking at one of those sheds that attaches to the house that home depot sells and is big enough to store the yard tools basically. Nothing very large I just wanna get the lawn mower and other tools out of the garage. Due to the way our house is situated the only location available is on our side yard along the garage. The shed would be hidden by two rather large trees that van metre planted so you really would not even be able to see it.

Basically I just was wondering if anyone has had any trouble getting a shed like this past the modification sub committee. I assume the siding color of the shed must match the house but it does not have to be the same material as well does it? Kinda hard to find a shed with James Hardy Siding

I've not started really looking at prices or anything yet so I was also wondering if anyone had any recommendations on that as well. I've only see the ones home depot advertises.

Thanks

 

Of course I do not represent the committee - but what you describe sounds like this would stick out from the side of the house, correct? Is there a neighbor on that side?

What model home do you have? Also, what dimensions are you thinking? I am looking into this as well and I guess we can at least share ideas, questions and info as this moves along.

I would be concerned about approval if this sticks out from the side of the house. And what about property line, will it get close to that? And you can contact the builder and get the color for the Hardie siding too I think.

 

We're in a winterset which is a complicated model with all the windows. The only area long enough without windows or AC is the side of the garage. We do have a neighbor next to us but as I said the shed would be covered by bushes and trees

It would stick out the side of the house but from what I read in the guidelines that is allowed as long as it's not in the front of the house. I've seen a few houses in the neighborhood with something like what I'm looking for. Nothing large. Worst case I'll get a free standing shed that is not attached to the house. Either way I don't care. I just want something to store the lawnmower in. I've not really looked at dimensions yet.

It won't be close to the property line at all. Well over 10 feet from the property line. I don't know how you could put a shed on any of these houses off the back. It would cover up windows. It almost has to come off the side of the house. As I said though it would be completely covered by the trees that are already there that Van Metre planted which was in the guideline.

This is why I'm asking

 

I know that the ARB (architectual review board) has approved a handfull of sheds off the side of the home why only a few I do not know. My understanding was 1 one the requirements was that it be landscaped so as to hide it from adjoining properties, however I am not sure what all the other requirements are. My best suggestion to you would be to draw up what it is that you want and how you think you can do it and then submit it to the review board. They will come back to you with suggestions and or other ideas if your way is not approved or it may be approved as you are picturing it. If it is not approved you can go back and forth several times adjusting until you have something that works for both you and them it is not a once and done issue.
It sounds to me like you are at least close to what will be approved but I am not a member of the ARB so I can not say for sure plus I am not familiar with that home style or where you are located. Once you get the approval then you con go and get final information on pricing rather then getting your heart set on 1 thing only to find out you need to do something else. Plus with approval you know exactly what it is you need and what you are looking for when you go into home depot or where ever else

Staci

 

Lost - yes, these types have sheds have indeed been approved, but remember that each submittal is judge on its' own. For side yard locations, "screening" is a must.

Please submit an application and also include some photos (various angles) of the desired location and a photo (brochure, webpage..) of what the shed looks like . As a member of the board, seeing the existing landscapping will be a plus.

 

We applied for a shed along side of the house and initially it was denied. They told us that we needed to put it in one of the rear corners of our yard so that it would be visible to FEWER of our neighbors. We then resubmitted explaining to them that if we put it where they suggested it would be visible to no less than 10 houses, whereas along side the house in our case would make the shed MUCH less of an eyesore for anyone. They realized that, perhaps after looking where our lot was situated, and it was approved. Shortly after that one of our neighbors had the same thing approved as well.

So... I guess my suggestion is to make your case and depending on your lot maybe that will make the most sense and they'll approve it.

 

Thanks so much for all the help. At least now I know there is hope for my lawnmower

I'll see if I can't get something together for the next review board meeting.

I wish we had the ability to put it in the back corner of our lot but the rear 2/3 of my back yard are a very steep hill with a rain runoff area that I can't put anything at all there. Good to know things like this have been approved and it sounds like they are willing to work with you.

Thanks again.

 

Yeah, that Modification Subcommittee....they're real killers!!!!!!
Neilz....Neilz.....where are you??????
(to avoid any misunderstanding this post is made with tongue firmly implanted in cheek.)
((for those who still don't get it.....only joking!!!!))

 

Hey Cliff, you DID notice how short the last few meetings were didn't you... Coincidence??? Maaaaaaybe

 

Hi Cliff,

T8erman ... don't tell me ... purple shutters are going in now !!

and for old times sake ... GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR :rulez: