Neighbours, boundaries and your garden structure
Updated 26 October 2026 · 5 min read
The best way to avoid trouble with your neighbours is to talk before you start. On top of that, rules apply to distance and height near the boundary, roof water must not run onto someone else's land, and building on the boundary may require written consent. This article gives the main lines; always check your situation with your municipality and the Omgevingsloket.
Talk first, build later
A canopy or garden house changes your neighbours' view and shade. A short conversation, preferably with a sketch or an image from the 3D configurator, prevents most problems.
- Show where it will go, how tall and how wide.
- Ask whether they have objections and really listen.
- Agree what you will do for work at the boundary, such as digging or building a wall.
- If needed, put agreements in a short email.
You do not need consent for what fits permit-free within the rules, but a good relationship is worth more than being right.
Distance and height near the boundary
General height limits apply in the backyard area. These are indicative main rules.
- More than 4 metres from the main building: eaves height up to 3 metres, overall height up to 5 metres. Close to the boundary, the top may not exceed 0.47 times the distance to the boundary plus 3 metres.
- Within 4 metres of the main building: up to 5 metres and not higher than the floor level of the first floor.
Example: if your canopy stands 2 metres from the boundary, the top may be roughly 3.9 metres high under that formula (0.47 × 2 + 3). Always account for your municipality's local plan. All the main rules are in permit for a canopy or garden house.
Building on the boundary
If you want to build on or against the boundary, for example a garden house with its rear wall on the line, neighbour law (burenrecht) comes into play. Under public law (building rules) it may be allowed under conditions, but under civil law you often need your neighbour's consent. This applies especially if:
- part of the structure crosses the boundary or foundations extend onto their land;
- you build on the shared boundary;
- the neighbours experience nuisance, such as shade or loss of view.
Have such consent recorded in writing. In a dispute you can involve a mediator or a judge, but it is far nicer if it never gets that far. In doubt? Consult your municipality or a lawyer.
Note: boundaries are not always where the fence stands. If in doubt, have the boundary measured or check the land registry (Kadaster).
Rainwater and drainage
Rainwater from your roof must not run onto your neighbour's land. This follows from neighbour law.
- Fit a gutter and downpipe on the side of your own garden.
- Direct the water to your own plot or an infiltration facility.
- Sloping the roof towards the neighbours is therefore not a good idea.
A large roof surface, for example polycarbonate, sheds a lot of water quickly. Plan for that. See also roofing materials.
Privacy and view
A garden house with a window or a canopy with a side wall can create or remove overlooking.
- Do not place windows directly opposite your neighbours' windows or terrace.
- Choose a height and position that restrict light and view as little as possible.
- Remember that planting or a screen can be an alternative to a wall.
Practical tips
- Take photos of the boundary and the existing situation beforehand.
- Note where cables and pipes run and report digging work (KLIC).
- Keep the work area tidy and limit noise to reasonable hours.
- Clear sand, timber and waste quickly.
- Thank your neighbours afterwards; a small effort that goes a long way.
What next?
Use the 3D configurator to show your design, and try the permit indication for a first traffic light. That is an indication, not a replacement for the check on the Omgevingsloket. Also read permit for a canopy or garden house.