Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Feb 28, 2013 11:49 pm Hey everyone, We are just looking at what we should do with our backyard... We have an easement down one side, and are just interested to see what others have done in the same situation. We will be having concrete paths, 1m wide all of the way around the house. Our issue is that we would like a garden shed (approx 2x3m) somewhere out the back. The ideal spot would be the back left corner of the block (as you look at the picture), however the easement is there and i would prefer not to build on top of it. The only other option i see is to put it in the back right corner, however i feel it may close in my backyard too much on that side. The advantage is we can put a slab down there and make it a lot more sturdier. We will have a double gate on the left side of the house for rear access, so i guess our only option is to grass over the top of the easement. If you have had any experience with this scenario, then please feel free to shoot me your suggestions. Much appreciated. Re: Ideas for a backyard with easement 2Mar 01, 2013 1:29 am I have this issue so I arrived at a plan (custom build) with a storage alcove in the garage. Basically enough space for a workbench and bicycles. I will store my lawn mower under the workbench. Garden tools will go in a steel cupboard against the garage wall. I think concrete paths are problematic in the event that work is needed on external plumbing. I am having pebbles and step-stones down the maintenance easement. Down the side with the garage I will have some road base levelled with a path then paved on top with concrete stepstones. I.e. 2 x rows of 400mmx400mm stepstones. The remainder of the width of the side passage will be filled with pebbles. The stepstones arranged in this manner will be wide enough for comfortably wheeling a lawn mower. You can get slimline or narrow 'sheds' that sit against the wall of the house or a fence and don't take much space. I think sheds can sometimes be okay as they are not a permenant structure. There are restrictions and it is best to check with both council and your water/sewer authority. Build thread: here Land Nov 12, Contract 6/07/13, Consent 15/08/13, Start 20/09/13, Slab 25/09/13, Frame 4/10/13, Brick 21/10/13, Roof 2/11/13, Lock-up 17/12/13, Handover 3/3/14 Re: Ideas for a backyard with easement 3Mar 02, 2013 3:00 pm We have a sewer easement running along our back fence. We've laid step stone pavers in gravel, as Maximus has suggested, so if access is ever required, it's easy to pull up a few pavers and scrape away some gravel. You're not restricted to lawn where you don't want paths though - you could create garden beds, as long as you don't fill them with trees and deep rooted shrubs. Small shrubs, groundcovers, annuals and the like would be fine. If you're really reluctant to plant anything permanent, then groups or a row of large pots or planters would work. As for your shed, you can apply for a permit to build over an easement...approval would probably depend on what's in the easement and how easy it would be to remove whatever you construct in the event that access was required. If it was a pre-fab Colorbond shed, you might get away with it - the flooring would be the big issue. Large paving slabs might work as a floor though, instead of a solid concrete slab? Re: Ideas for a backyard with easement 4Mar 02, 2013 8:05 pm I would check with the relevant authority that is in control of the easement. You may find that they discourage certain plantings ie big eucalyptus but can't stop you from doing it. They can stop you building decks/sheds etc but soft scaping has diff rules. I have 2 x 15m lemon scented gums bang on top of my propery's easement.. I checked it out and the authorities value mature trees and will make sure they are first priority if any work is needed on the easement. Removal is the very last resort. You should be able to encase the sewer but you will need it designed and approved and access to lot 580 to do the work 2 12669 You might be able to apply to divert the sewer at your expense. In NSW you would contact a Water services co-ordinator and they would give you advice as to whether or not… 1 12945 Thanks - yea sounds like I need to submit build over easement application....ugh guess I better start finding someone who can do the engineering drawings 3 1669 |