An important change for plot owners. More freedom when building

The Ministry of Development and Technology is preparing to change the regulations regarding garages and outbuildings built at the border of the plot. From September 20, 2026, the permissible dimensions of such objects are to be larger. The ministry accepted the proposal to increase the maximum length from 6.5 to 7 meters and the height from 3 to 3.5 meters.

Currently, the basic rule is that a garage or shed should be located at least 4 meters from the plot boundary if the wall facing it has windows or doors. For a wall without holes, the minimum distance is 3 meters.

The garage can be placed closer to the plot boundary

However, the regulations provide for exceptions for single-family and farm buildings. An outbuilding or garage with a wall without windows and doors may be built directly next to the border or at a distance of at least 1.5 meters. Currently, this applies to objects with a length not exceeding 6.5 meters and a height of up to 3 meters.

A similar possibility exists on a plot 16 meters wide or less. A garage or shed may also have a wall attached to a building on a neighboring property, if their height is consistent with the local plan or the decision on development conditions. Construction closer to the border is also allowed if the provisions of the local plan allow it.

In single-family buildings, an object placed near the border or at a distance of 1.5 to 3 meters must currently have a projection of no more than 6.5 by 6.5 meters and be less than 3 meters high.

Larger garages and sheds from September 20

The Ministry of Energy and Technology has been working on amending the regulation on technical conditions for about a year. After the change, a free-standing garage or outbuilding will be able to be a maximum of 7 meters long and 3.5 meters high. The condition will be to place it against a wall without windows, doors or lighting elements directly next to the border or at least 1.5 meters from it.

The National Council of the Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland proposed removing the term “detached” from the regulation. In her opinion, there were no obstacles to building a garage adjacent to a single-family house at the border as a separate facility.

The ministry did not accept this proposal. The higher limits will only apply to detached garages and outbuildings. The new rules will not apply to garages that are an extension of a single-family house. The regulation is to enter into force on September 20, 2026.