How Close to My Neighbor’s Fence Can I Put a Shed?
(Wilmington, NC Area Zoning Guide by BTL Buildings)
Thinking about adding a new shed, backyard shop, or detached garage to your property in Wilmington NC? One of the most common questions we get at BTL Buildings is:
How close to my neighbor’s fence can I put my shed?
Answer: Depends - but a good rule of thumb is 5 feet from your property line for New Hanover, Brunswick & Onslow Counties; and 10 feet from your property line in Pender County.
Local Shed & Garage Setback Rules
In Wilmington and New Hanover County, accessory buildings like sheds, garages, and workshops must follow zoning setback requirements — minimum distances between your structure and the property line.
While every zoning district is a little different, here’s a solid rule of thumb for most homeowners on the Carolina coast:
Small sheds (under 150 sq ft) → stay at least 5 feet off the side and rear property lines.
Larger sheds, shops, or garages → expect 5 – 10 feet minimum, sometimes matching your home’s setback.
Front yard placement → generally not allowed; most structures must sit behind the main dwelling.
Utility easements or drainage areas → never build over these, even if they’re inside your fence line.
Before building, always confirm with the New Hanover County Planning & Zoning Department or your local building office. BTL Buildings can handle that check for you during our free site consultation.
Why You Can’t Just Hug the Fence
Many property owners assume their fence marks the boundary — but fences are often installed several inches or feet off the actual property line.
Setbacks are measured from the legal property line, not the fence. Building too close could violate zoning code or block maintenance access. That’s why our crews at BTL Buildings always verify your survey or site plan before setting a single post.
Permits, HOAs & Coastal Considerations
Depending on your structure’s size, height, and features, you may need:
A zoning permit (for placement approval)
A building permit if the structure exceeds height/square-foot limits or includes utilities
HOA approval, which often adds extra design and distance restrictions
Flood-zone review if you’re in a coastal or AE floodplain
BTL Buildings manages all of that for our clients — making sure your shed, shop, or garage is fully code-compliant, storm-ready, and HOA-approved.
The BTL Buildings Recommendation
For most Wilmington-area backyards, a minimum 5-foot clearance from the neighbor’s fence or property line is a safe starting point. Larger garages or workshops may require more. If you want to do your own research, look up your county's Unified Development Ordinance and search around for “accessory” structures, or simply call your local zoning department.
Before you pour a slab or order materials, feel free to call the experts at BTL Buildings. We design and build custom shops, sheds, and garages throughout Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Burgaw, and Carolina Beach — built to code, built to last, and built to look great in your backyard.
Contact BTL Buildings today for a free site visit and quote, and we’ll handle your setback review so you can build with confidence.