Sally Kramer built this shed herself in her backyard. (The Oregonian)LC- The Oregonian

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If your home or garage is overflowing with stuff, installing a shed in your back yard may just be the answer you were looking for. You can use a shed to store lawn equipment, gardening tools, outdoor furniture cushions, kids’ toys and sports gear. You’ll have convenient access to the stored items when you need them, while keeping your house and backyard clutter-free.

Stash your holiday decorations out of the way until you need them. Clear out your closets and make room for your clothes and accessories. You might be surprised at how much extra room a shed can provide. A shed can also be a great place to keep items away from children and pets.

But beware, you’re shed cannot act as a storage facility for your business. Large quantities of commercial pesticides, materials and equipment are not permissible and can create a violation on your property.

Sheds can be simple or elaborate, small or large, store-bought or a project for the do-it-yourselfer. Sheds come in all sorts of sizes, configurations, and materials, so there are many possible uses. You can have a shed custom built to mirror your main residence, or purchase a simple pre-made model. The choices are vast and will increase in cost as you customize it to fit your needs.

If you have backyard space available in an out of the way area, somewhere out of view of the house, consider an inexpensive molded plastic model. When assembled property, they can be water tight and fit the task, and be a great addition to your storage solutions without worrying about legalizing the structure.

According to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), storage sheds are permitted in rear yards only. Large prefabricated and custom-built sheds, installed on a foundation, are regulated by the same rules and regulations in New York City that are govern new building construction. So know the regulations before taking on the project. Depending on the size, structure and location of the shed, it may require hiring an architect, plans, permitting and filing fees.

The Rules of the City of New York §101-14 require that backyard sheds meet specific dimensions and criteria to avoid having to legalize them. Backyard sheds can be installed without filing with the DOB if they are 120 square feet or less. Once they exceed 120 square feet or larger, you will need to hire an architect to file the structure. It is actually the same process as building a new structure on your property.

To further conform to non-permitting guidelines, the height of the shed cannot exceed 7 feet 6 inches at the peak, and must be farther than 3 feet from your property line, especially if the shed is made from flammable materials. Non-permitted sheds should also not be permanently affixed to land or have a permanent foundation base.

A secure, well-built shed is an attractive feature to many prospective homebuyers, especially if it accents the property and adds purpose. Adding a backyard shed is an inexpensive way to increase storage, curb appeal and potential resale value of your home.

A shed doesn’t have to be just for storage, but you must first check to see what the regulations are for your specific property. A permanent shed may be considered part of the floor area ratio (FAR) of your lot and has specific guidelines and regulations that must be followed. So, if you want to use your shed for a workshop, a playhouse for your kids, a cabana or a home office make sure you consult with an Architect first.

If you have an existing shed structure, but are unsure if it is legal and conforming, consult with an Architect. Legalized larger sheds should be noted on your property survey. If they are not, chances are it was installed without proper permitting.

The possibilities of a shed structure are endless, but the more elaborate they are the better chance that it will require the use of an Architect, a licensed electrician or even a licensed plumber to complete the project.

Ronald D. Victorio, R.A., AIA Ronald Victorio Architects

All our experts are licensed, bonded and insured members of the Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island (HIC of Staten Island). Homeowners should always consult with licensed professionals, check a contractor's license through the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (call 311 for information) and ensure that their project complies with NYC DOB regulations before embarking on any home improvement project. For more information contact us at (718) 356-2323 or visit www.hicofsi.org.

To ask your home improvement questions contact: questionsfortheexpert@gmail.com

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