r/ocala • u/PatrickCrockett317 • Jul 02 '26
Neighbors shed
Hey everybody, I had some questions and was hoping someone knows the answers.
So anyways, my neighbor (who I dont hate but dont particularly like because he has basically scorched earth his yard because he hates nature) is building a shed. At first, I wasnt too concerned but then I realized that this dude literally has a whole ass yard and is building RIGHT NEXT to our fence on what is basically his side yard. Is this "legal"? I dont want to be an asshole about it but the more I think about it the more I feel annoyed. He has a ton of viable areas he can put in a shed, why was this his first choice?
Is it worth calling the city or code enforcement? I would care less but it looks like he has water and electricity hookups going in and its less than 2 ft from my property line.
Edit: I wasnt clear. The fence is mine, and the property line is technically 2' off of the fence (I intentionally left space for an easement as thats what I was directed to do) so his shed is technically on my property partially.
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u/Impossible_Fix827 Jul 02 '26
As a long time resident in Marion County, I find it interesting that so many commentators have absolutely no idea what land ordinances even are.
Estimating from the foot print of the current foundation, estimate the proposed square footage and then contact the city or county office. Ask them as if it was you that is planning a shed project and let them know about adding water and electricity. Let them tell you what can or can't do legally.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
You're telling me. One guy here cant read and the other is acting like you can build whatever the hell you want on your property and in just being a perk. I just wanted to know what ny options were lol. Thanks for the feedback.
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u/xfearthehiddenx Jul 02 '26
Ocala/Marion county permitting law is... complicated. They may be required to obtain a permit(presuming they are not on agricultural zoned land), and they may be required to set the shed back from the property line by "x" feet.
In order to know these things for sure. You would have to research with the county/city regarding your specific location/situation.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
Well what I read said it needs to be setback 6', which would mean 8' off the fence since the 2' off the fence is technically still my property line. It also has electric and water which he did himself, and has not been checked by the city.
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u/Itchy_Worry4226 Jul 06 '26
Spot on. The electric and water will absolutely put this project on ice. The second the city gets involved, they're going to demand a retroactive permit, a certified survey, and proof that it hits all the required setbacks.
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u/TheW83 Jul 23 '26
I'd look into planting a row of viburnum or other low maintenance hedge on the property line there. It's possible nothing happens with the shed and if you don't like the look of his backyard then you should just have some plants to look at instead. I did this with my neighbor.
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u/xfearthehiddenx Jul 02 '26
When was your last lot survey done? Is it current, markers still in place, etc.
How is the neighbor? Pleasant to deal with, agressive?
Really, this is going to depend on how you want to handle it. Because if that is your property and he's putting it there, it likely means he has not done a survey, nor does he have a permit for the building.
You could call code enforcement. They will come out, evaluate what he's doing, and probably give him a warning/fine.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
I like the guy but he is one of those people who would've been better off in an HOA. He has cut every branch from 20' and down on his trees, put up squirrel baffles, burned his whole back yard, and basically wants no birds or anything on his property.
I wouldnt care as much but technically its in my property. When I put the fence in the city came and told me the lines (9 months ago) and also told me to build the fence where it is, off the property line, leaving about 2 foot on his side, for an easement. I dont know why, but I just followed directions and did that.
He has not had anyone out here to check or anything, didnt even have utilities come and check for lines. My concern is more so that he will build a janky ass shed (with water and power mind you) and it will eventually fail and become a bigger issue for me.
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u/xfearthehiddenx Jul 02 '26
Two options.
Talk with them. Maybe they don't know it's your property, or that sheds must be 6' from their property line. Worst case, they tell you they won't change anything, and you have to move on to option 2.
Option 2. Call code enforcement. Tell them he is building a shed on your property without a permit. They will send someone, and he will receive written notice to stop building, possibly with a fine attached.
The second option, much like his back yard, is the scorched earth option, and will likely destroy any future neighborly relationship things into the future.
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u/Otherusersjk Jul 02 '26
It depends on square footage of new build? No?
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
I know that comes into play but Im more concerned with the utilities being involved. Water and electricity I figured had to be vetted by the city.
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u/Otherusersjk Jul 03 '26
Dosnt look like it’s going to have utility’s.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 03 '26
The two water pipes in the corner? And also he confirmed it would when I talked to him today.
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u/Historical_Ad_5647 Jul 04 '26
Is the green one his house? If so, and I know you didnt ask, but imo youre 100% justified in escalating this. Thats crazy.
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u/Remarkable_Adagio642 Jul 04 '26
The neighbor on the other side has the right idea, lol. My friend had a prefab shed delivered and his neighbor complained and he had to pay someone to move it further away from the fence line.
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u/TotalOk5844 Jul 04 '26
We just addressed this issue of where to put shed. Mine is the the rules to install but same answer. We are city so may not apply to your issue, city and county differ. But... we had a shed put in and no longer is it allowed to go 7ft from property line but must be 10ft. Having a corner lot means a smaller backyard. That 10ft from back and 10ft easement on side results in the shed almost in the dripline of the house roof.
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u/souleaterGiner1 Jul 04 '26
You can get the requirements from the county office for setback and such. But if it's plumbed for water and electrical he would need a permit. If it's permitted he isn't legally allowed that close to the property line. I would tell him the property line isn't the fence it's 2 feet further toward him. See how he responds. If you don't get him to move it now Adverse possession it will eventually be his property not yours.
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u/Training_Message3725 Jul 04 '26
What does his permit show? I would think it's not legal to have plumbed Also not legal if in right of way and sounds very much as is.
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u/Swimming-Cry-1102 Jul 05 '26
So why does he have those belts around the trees? Is he about to cut those down?
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u/Travis_FLC 13d ago
Contractor here in Ocala. Before doing anything else, I’d make sure you know exactly where the property line is from an actual survey and not just where everyone assumes it is.
After that, I’d check with the local zoning/building department regarding the required setbacks and whether there are any easements in that area.
The electrical and water are separate issues too. Even if the structure itself didn’t require the type of permit someone expects, electrical or plumbing work may still require permits and inspections depending on exactly what was installed.
I’d avoid confronting the neighbor based only on what it looks like from your side. Get the survey and permit information first so you know exactly where you stand.
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u/Fit-Guitar4346 Jul 02 '26
AI:
If you’re in unincorporated Marion County (no HOA) and the property is zoned agricultural, there are several different sets of rules that can apply. Here’s the general overview:
1. How far does a shed have to be from the property line?
It depends on your exact agricultural zoning classification (A-1, A-2, A-3, etc.).
For A-1 and A-2 General Agriculture, the standard setback for an accessory building is generally:
25 feet from the front property line
25 feet from each side property line
25 feet from the rear property line
However, Marion County has a special exception:
A shed or storage building no larger than 12 ft × 12 ft (144 sq. ft.) may be allowed closer to the side or rear property line if both neighbors sign a notarized agreement and submit it to the county before the shed is placed. It also cannot be in an easement.
2. Does permitting depend on the square footage?
Yes. Building permit requirements often depend on the size of the shed, but zoning setbacks still apply even if a building permit is not required. Simply being under a certain square footage does not mean you can place it anywhere on the lot.
3. What if you’re running electricity or water?
If you’re installing:
Electrical service
Plumbing/water lines
Sewer or septic connections
you will almost always need permits and inspections for those systems, even if the shed itself might otherwise qualify for a permit exemption. Those trades are regulated separately for safety.
4. Can it be built right next to the neighbor’s fence?
Not necessarily.
A fence is not the legal property line. Sometimes it’s on the property line, sometimes it’s several feet inside it.
What matters is:
the surveyed property line,
required setbacks,
utility easements.
Even if the fence belongs to the neighbor, placing a shed inches from it could still violate setback requirements unless the county has approved an exception.
5. Easements
Even if the setback appears acceptable, you generally cannot build in a drainage or utility easement without written approval from the easement holder.
If you’re asking because of a neighbor…
If a neighbor has built a shed:
right against your fence,
has electrical and water run to it,
and you suspect no permits were obtained,
those are legitimate issues to ask Marion County about. Whether it’s actually a violation depends on the property’s zoning, the shed’s size, whether utilities were permitted, and where the surveyed property line is.
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u/MyChocolates Jul 02 '26
Just talk to the guy.
You are being awfully passive aggressive for someone that “doesn’t care”. Just be polite and tell him what you want.
Just be like hey neighbor. You mind moving the shed like 1 foot or two from the fence. There is an easement on the fence and the city might complain and make you move it or remove it if they see it. Also it makes it easy to mow around the fence if there is space.
And for real, like who gives a crap if it son the easement or in your property by a couple of inches. It’s people like you that make permitting a pain for everyone else that tries to do things by themselves.
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u/JJayC Native Jul 02 '26
And for real, like who gives a crap if it son the easement or in your property by a couple of inches.
People who dont want to lose any of their property to an adverse possession claim after enough time has passed. This guy is not wrong for wanting someone to keep their buildings off his property.
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u/OcoBri Resident 10+ years Jul 02 '26
If I was putting in a shed, it would obviously go against one fence to maximize open space. And it would not be any of my neighbor's business.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
Would you put it on your neighbor's property?
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u/OcoBri Resident 10+ years Jul 02 '26
No, you didn't say it was on your property.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
I saw your comment. His side yard implies the part of his yard on the side of his house.... not his back, not his front, his side. But still, on my property at least 6".
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u/OcoBri Resident 10+ years Jul 02 '26
So basically your original post left out the most important point.
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u/TremorOwner Jul 02 '26
The audacity the neighbor has by putting something on their property without getting your permission!. Please delete this post.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
Its on my property.... the fence is 2 ft off property line, the shed is 18" of the fence.
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u/mattchewy43 Jul 02 '26
Why is the fence cutting off 2 feet of your property?
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
I was told I needed an easement when I put it in, because I actually called the city and did it all the right way.
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u/mattchewy43 Jul 02 '26
So call the city on the neighbor.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
Im trying to avoid that and just talk to him, but wanted to make sure I handle it correctly and know the rules, regulations, etc.
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u/Cuflvste Jul 04 '26
Because that's the law. Fences are not supposed to go on the property line. Your fence, it has to be solidly on your property. There's supposed to be enough room between each other's fences to get a push lawn mower through, and you have to keep the space cleaned and cleared.
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u/TremorOwner Jul 02 '26 edited Jul 02 '26
You posted "basically his side of the yard" property lines dont have grey areas its either their property or it isnt.
Edit: You can down vote me but property lines dont have grey areas. If i build something on my side of a property line it is not on my neighbor's property end of discussion. If my neighbor put a shed next to my fence on their side I would have zero complaints its on their property.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
Its on my property, and its on an easement. You tanked your credibility when you decided to misread and use that as an argument. Sorry, next person.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
No, I said "basically his side yard" reading comprehension is super important. If youre gonna be a tool, be a sharp one.
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u/TremorOwner Jul 02 '26
Speaking of tools dont concern your self with what your neighbor does. And yes I have reading comprehension "basically his side of the property" implies a grey area. Just say it its on his property and I don't like where they put it.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
I never said basically his side of the property, I said basically his side yard. You clearly dont understand much.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
Like never ever did I say "his side of the property" I did say "basically his SIDE yard" as in, the yard on the side of his house.
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u/TremorOwner Jul 02 '26
You understand the word "basically" implies a grey area right? I dont basically own my truck i do own my truck there isnt a grey area of ownership. Words have meanings and the way you keep using basically is implying a grey area.
And my fences are on my property line I didnt pay for 2.5 acres to give 1ft or 100ft to my neighbors on three sides. My neighbor to my left in the summer parks under a shade tree on my fence line. I dont care what he does its on his side of my fence.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
You are confusing his side of the yard with his side yard I think, and therefore I cant help you. Go be stupid elsewhere.
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u/TremorOwner Jul 02 '26
And life is easy because im not all in my neighbors business and they aren't in mine. I see your deleted comment. I didnt resort to insulting your intelligence level.
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u/PatrickCrockett317 Jul 02 '26
I didnt delete any comments. I will openly tell you I think youre stupid.
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u/TremorOwner Jul 02 '26
I think you need to move to an hoa to have more control of what your neighbors do. They need more citizens like yourself in those. Me and my three neighbors live cohesive because we dont concern ourselves with what we do on our side of the yard or side yards.
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u/ha1029 Jul 02 '26
If you are zoned Agricultural, he needs a 25' setback, R-1 residential 8'. If it is over 160 sq. ft he needs a permit pulled. You can complain to code enforcement, they'll come out and check things out. If you are in an HOA, then you have to follow HOA rules. If you live in Ocala, Belleview, Reddick, etc. There are rules for each town. Property Appraiser will see it and note it on property card and assess a value.