Permitted Activities Guide: 15 Outdoor Projects That May Be Illegal

You may think your home is your castle; however, some of your ideas may not be considered permitted activities. In fact, certain outdoor endeavors are prohibited on private property, whether by law, deed restrictions, or covenants and restrictions of the homeowner association (HOA). Certain activities can only be undertaken with the issuance of a permit. 

Permitted Activities: Know Before You Grow, Build, or Dig

Even if it’s your land, specific outdoor projects require more than just a good imagination. Before you break ground, check local ordinances and HOA rules to see if you need permits or approvals for the following:

1. Building a Fence Over 6 Feet Tall
   Tall fences usually require both a city permit and HOA approval.

2. Installing a Deck
   Deck construction must comply with city building codes and often requires HOA preapproval.

3. Adding a Swimming Pool
   In-ground or large aboveground pools need permits and inspections for safety and health compliance.

4. Installing Solar Panels or Large Satellite Dishes
   These often require HOA approval and may be subject to placement and size limitations.

5. Excavating or Altering Land Grading
   If changing the soil contour will cause runoff to neighboring yards, it is typically prohibited.

6. Hardscaping and Paving Large Areas
   An excessive amount of impermeable surface can violate environmental runoff regulations and may require permits.

7. Drilling a Water Well
   This may be permitted with local or state approval; it’s often subject to water conservation regulations.

8. Creating a Large Garden or Crop Production
   Large-scale gardening or high-water-use landscaping may require permits or be subject to restrictions.

Your Property Rights Have Limits

Ownership doesn’t mean unlimited freedom. These outdoor activities are commonly restricted—or entirely prohibited—by local laws or HOA covenants:

1. Raising Chickens or Livestock
   Most urban and suburban neighborhoods prohibit the keeping of chickens, goats, cows, and similar animals. Some areas may allow a few chickens but no roosters.

2. Beekeeping
   Where allowed, this usually comes with strict regulations regarding property size, setbacks, and beekeeper certification.

3. Operating a Home-Based Business Open to the Public
   Zoning laws and HOA rules typically forbid businesses that generate public traffic or industrial noise.

4. Running an Auto Repair or Industrial Operation
   These activities are usually prohibited in residential zones due to safety, noise, and zoning violations.

5. Storage Buildings or Sheds in Visible Locations
   Most neighborhoods require sheds to be placed in a fenced backyard and at a height below the fence.

6. Excessive Outdoor Lighting
   Some cities have “dark sky” regulations limiting light pollution in residential areas.

7. Discharging a Firearm on Your Property
   This is prohibited in most cities and even in some rural areas for lots with acreage below a minimum.
   

Related – What is My Neighborhood’s Architectural Control Committee?