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Make three records before choosing a position.
01 · The location
What to record
Measure the available width and depth at the proposed location. Identify what defines each edge; a fence or landscaping edge is not proof of a legal boundary.
What still needs confirmation
Obtain the applicable boundary and setback information. Ask for the full installed footprint, including roof projections and support requirements. The tool uses nominal shed dimensions and one entered reservation on every side.
02 · Daily access
What to record
Measure the clear gate width and narrowest passage to the shed. Record the moving item's widest assembled configuration and your side allowance.
What still needs confirmation
Check the actual approach, turns, height, slope and threshold separately. A width-only pass cannot establish a usable journey. The current automatic yard approach screen is for the mower / mixed-storage flow; other use-specific handling remains a separate review.
03 · Building delivery
What to record
For a kit, request the actual package dimensions and handling requirements. For an assembled building, request its transport dimensions and the supplier's installation method.
What still needs confirmation
Ask the supplier to review corners, overhead restrictions, vehicle positioning and any lifting. A gate that admits your mower does not establish that a shed or delivery vehicle can enter.
One site · two candidates
The larger shed can fail the same site screen.
This invented site is 180 × 240 in. Both candidates reserve 24 in on every side, solely to demonstrate the calculation. That value is not a local setback rule. The outlines use nominal shed dimensions; actual overhangs, support footprint and boundary conditions need separate measurements.
10×12 · Footprint screen passes
Dashed: shed plus the stated reservation. Solid outer line: measured area. Both drawings use the same scale.
120 + 2 × 24 = 168 in required width; 144 + 2 × 24 = 192 in required depth.
12 in width and 48 in depth remain beyond the stated reservation. This does not approve the location.
12×16 · Not enough width
Dashed: shed plus the stated reservation. Solid outer line: measured area. Both drawings use the same scale.
144 + 2 × 24 = 192 in required width; 192 + 2 × 24 = 240 in required depth.
Short of width by 12 in. Extra available depth cannot repair this orientation's width conflict.
Change the condition that actually failed.
Not enough width or depth
Recheck the measured area and the complete installed footprint. Test another position, orientation or candidate using its new dimensions. Do not reduce an applicable setback just to obtain a passing screen.
Daily route too narrow
Locate the specific obstruction and verify the equipment's transport configuration. Increasing the shed size does not widen the gate. Any alteration to the route needs its own feasibility check.
Delivery route unresolved
Ask the supplier which arrival and installation methods they can support. Compare a kit or an on-site build only after confirming the package, material and working-access requirements.
Drainage or ground conditions unknown
Keep the candidate provisional. Take the site observations and footprint to the appropriate local provider for ground preparation, drainage and any affected utility review.
From this guide to your project
Keep the questions you still need answered.
Select a question to add it to your Plan and brief. Checked means kept for review, not resolved. Your measurements stay as entered.
Restoring your question list…
Start with a complete project
- Compact 7×4 Bike Shed →
Documented project · An independent reading of Vikkie Lee’s compact bike-shed project: front double access plus a side opening. Use the original build account, then check your bicycles and the space outside both openings.
Front double and side access described; all actual clearances and capacity unverified.
- Two-bay firewood storage study →
Layout reference · Compare a half-cord stack-volume example with a deeper alternative. Read the loading routes, handling-space trade-off and separate EPA build resources.
Free original layout guide on this site; separate historical build instructions at EPA.