Almost all kinds of construction have to follow some set of rules. Even if you are building it in your backyard you have to abide by some laws. That means there are treehouse regulations that you must know before you start building a treehouse. Don’t worry, it is not something you have to worry about too much but you must aware of the laws that affect treehouse.
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What Are The Treehouse Regulations?
There are some treehouse regulations but they vary from region to region, state to state, and country to country. You will have to contact your local authorities to learn about them. One thing that we found strict rules and regulations apply under specific situations.
Here are a few of them:
- The scale of treehouse construction is large.
- The height of the treehouse is higher than it should.
- Books for Building a treehouse in a densely populated area.
- Building treehouse in an area under wildlife protection.
Under these conditions, you will have to seek a permit or clearance from the local authority.
Beyond these specific situations, you will have to follow a set of regulations about measurements of the treehouse. The major one that you have to take care of is the structure you build should not be beyond 13 ft from the ground level. This means the roof of the treehouse should not exceed 13 ft from the ground. This what some of the states follow but ask your local authority about the heigh restriction of the treehouse.
Another thing that you must know is that treehouses are considered temporary structures like garden sheds. You don’t need a lot of clearance for temporary structures. But as soon as you try to add utilities like water and electricity the status of the structures changes to habitable structures. And habitable structures will have to meet building regulations.
Even if you find out that your treehouse does not need to abide by any rules and regulations, take consent of your neighbor. It is quite possible that due to your treehouse their privacy may get jeopardized. It is better to ask for permission before construction.
Where Do You Get the Permits For Treehouse Construction?
Getting a permit for your treehouse is a city-level issue. Hence, you can check out the official website of your city municipal. They have a lot of information on it. You should look for a permit office. This where you can begin the procedure. However, before that, you must prepare a detailed plan of the treehouse. Hire and architecture and make a proper plan of the property with a treehouse.
Usually, with the application for the permit, you need to submit the plan to the property with the treehouse. This will give the authorities an idea about your property and if it is okay for a treehouse. Even a zoning office is also a good place to inquire about the treehouse rules and regulations.
Is It Possible To Build a Treehouse Without Any Permission?
Yes, it is possible to construct a treehouse without any permit but it should be on a very small scale and should not present an immediate threat to the locality. In our experience, if the height of the 1-2 meter only, no one will have an issue with it. Though you think you don’t need a permit, at least make one visit to your local zoning office or any other concerned authority to inquire about the permit.
Final Thought
There are no proper set of treehouse regulations that is common all around the world but you have to be aware of the local rules. Also, it would better if you ask around in the neighborhood and if anyone has an issue with their treehouse or not.
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