Do I need approval for a fence or a shed?

Yes to both, and the small size of a project does not exempt it.

**Fences and walls.** The covenants name them directly. No building, **fence, wall** or other structure may be commenced, erected or maintained until plans have been submitted and approved in writing.

**Sheds and other accessory buildings.** The Accessory Building Regulations cover garages, boat houses, tool sheds, snowmobile sheds, greenhouses and pole barns. The Architectural Committee has final approval of all design features, and size, materials, design and colour should conform with neighbouring structures.

Where people get caught out is assuming a small building needs nothing at all. Two separate requirements are easy to mix up:

- **Clare County building permit.** An accessory building or structure under **144 square feet** does not require one, provided it meets all the yard requirements for accessory buildings.
- **Freeman Township zoning permit.** Required for **all** accessory building construction — including prefabricated structures, and including a new structure that replaces an existing one. There is no small-size exemption here.

So a small shed can be under the county building permit threshold and still need a Township zoning permit and Architectural Committee approval.

A prefabricated shed delivered on a truck is an installation, and it is covered. So is swapping an old shed for a new one on the same spot.

Before you buy anything or book a delivery, talk to the office about Committee approval and to the Township about the zoning permit.

*Source: Restrictive Covenants, Article VI, Section 1; Lake of the Pines Accessory Building Regulations (6/8/2025), items 3, 12 and 16.*