How to Hide a Shed From HOA [4 Easy Hacks]

Many garden enthusiasts want a customized shed for their yard. A unit for tools, appliances, or just spare storage is a basic need. But restrictions on sheds put forth by your HOA can often get in the way. So planning a custom shed in your backyard may become more trouble than needed. 

Are you wondering how to hide a shed from HOA?

Well to hide a shed from HOA there are different steps you can take. The first hack is paint it with neutral colors. Also using plants you can keep them out of attention. A privacy fence will also help to make the job done. Finally, you can also install a patio.

This is a brief overview of how to avoid HOA hassle for your sheds. The 4 ways mentioned can be a tactical way to make your sheds discreet.

Keep reading for all the tactics!

What to Look Out for When Putting Up a Shed

The HOA in your local community may always look to regulate your personal property. Though they’re there only to look out for the safety and aesthetics of the neighborhood.

You must be thinking now can my HOA make you take down a shed? They certainly can. But you can always find loopholes in their regulations.

Shed restrictions often restrict you from planning a custom backyard storage unit.

The HOA usually approves a written proposal for a shed after you submit a plan. Drawings and concept illustrations are what the building committee sees before approval. If you ever wondered if your HOA doesn’t allow sheds, now you know!

But there are a few caveats to approval even if you planned well. We mention potential shed regulations you might run into during the build process.

Total Dimensions

The HOA usually rules out the maximum footprint of your shed to be built. The general rule of thumb is that you don’t cross 1% of your lot area.

This is especially true if the shed is made for storage purposes. Or if the yard extends to the porch or the neighbors. 

Placement

Since it is virtually impossible to move a shed once it’s built, find convenient spacing. A detailed outline of the plan should always precede construction.

Find a spot in the yard that doesn’t violate the rules of your local HOA.

Maximum Height

The HOA closely monitors how high the roof of your shed reaches.

Different HOAs require different specifications, they are mentioned in hoa shed rules and it varies. But a rule of thumb here also would be about 2 meters. Or just about enough for the roof to be barely visible from the porch/ sidewalk.

Oftentimes the height gets the most attention from neighbors and the HOA. So make sure you follow this aspect closely. You don’t want to tear it down just for being too tall!

What Makes Your Shed Appealing to the HOA

You’re probably wondering what happens if you build a shed without HOA approval. They will often tell you to rebuild to their approved specifications. If they don’t appeal for it to be torn down, that is.

To avoid this trouble you need to know whether your shed is attracting the HOA. Here’s a list of things they look out for!

Build Quality

Chances are if your neighborhood HOA overlooks a shed building, you need floors. Solid, properly lined, preferably wooden floors.

This usually means that you have to forget about prebuilt or fabricated sheds. This is because prefabricated sheds make it hard to retrofit a floor to them.

Not all HOAs insist on this regulation, so check with your HOA for more information. Some home improvement stores offer sheds with custom lighting, solar cells, or even plumbing.

Most of these come with camouflaged exteriors, ready to tackle any HOA restriction. 

Appearance

This is by far the strongest factor that makes your HOA lenient towards your shed. Most of what gets you approval from the HOA depends on appearance.

Materials used for siding that appeal greatly are wood and light metals such as aluminum.

If you have varnish or vinyl available, putting them to use makes you more discreet. Roofing materials also come into play. Sloped and anodized tin is great for looks.

Committees often look out for the tone of the shed. Thus, choose your colors and accents wisely.

4 Ways To Camouflage Your Shed In The Backyard

Purchasing a shed is always more hassle-free than building one. All these regulations by the HOA may make your head spin.

We list a few ways to hide your shed and make your storage more discreet. 

Paint in Neutral Colors

Paints the shed in a subtle earth tone so that it blends with the surroundings. The paint and quality of the color are what matter the most. Matching it with the color of your home creates an illusion for the HOA.

Build a Privacy Fence

Building a lattice fence or a picket one around your shed helps shield it. It also allows shrubbery to grow vertically. And let’s not lie, the addition of picket fences just makes you fancy.

Plant Evergreens

Usually. if the shed is visible from the street, you are in violation. Placing it within the yard where it is shielded by shrubbery or trees is ideal.

By using vines or junipers you can hide corners. But be sure to maintain their growth.

Install a Patio

Installing a patio with a large gazebo in front of the shed is ideal. A well-landscaped patio hides a discreet shed quite well. Looks nice too!

FAQs

Wrapping Up!

We hope you have more of an idea on how to hide a shed from HOA. 

Protecting your shed from the HOA or avoiding special permissions can be easy. If you follow these easy hacks to be more discreet. Essentially, put special care into the appearance of your shed.

Keep the HOA away and good luck with your shed endeavors!