About this storage shed
This 5′ x 7′ contemporary storage shed (35 sq/ft) sits on the parking pad of a new townhouse in East Vancouver. The townhouse came with no storage for bikes, winter tires or hockey gear, so the owners ordered a small shed that looks as though it was part of the original plan.
Quick facts about this East Vancouver storage shed
- Location: East Vancouver, BC
- Size: 5′ x 7′ (35 sq/ft, about 3.3 m²)
- Design: Contemporary single-slope shed (modified)
- Overhangs: Front 18″; sides and rear 6″
- Siding: LP SmartSide, horizontal
- Door: 4′ x 7′ roll-up door with dual cam locks
Built to blend in
The shed had to fit the existing parking pad and not draw attention. It has horizontal siding, and the paint colours and trim details match the townhouse. A small single-slope roof keeps the profile low, and the shed sits tight to the picket fence.
A secure door for a busy street
The site is on a busy street with a lot of foot traffic, so security was a concern. The shed has a wide roll-up door with dual cam locks, which is harder to pry open than a standard hinged door.
Built in the shop and delivered by trailer
The shed was designed, approved and delivered in about two weeks. It was framed and sided in the shop, strapped to a flatbed trailer and driven to the lane behind the townhouses. At the site, the crew tilted it off the trailer and set it on the pad.
Why a small shed suits a townhouse
Townhouses often have little or no storage outside the unit, and the parking pad or back lane may be the only open space. A shed that is 5 feet by 7 feet takes up about the space of a single parking stall’s corner, yet it can hold bikes, tires and sports gear that would otherwise fill the living space.
What a 5×7 shed stores
A 35 sq/ft shed is large enough for a couple of bikes standing upright, a set of winter tires, hockey or ski gear and a few shelves. A wide door that opens fully makes it easier to move bulky items in and out.
Matching the house
Matching the siding direction, paint colours and trim details of the main building makes a shed look like part of the property. Dark trim around the door and a light trim around the opening can echo the house and help a small building sit comfortably next to it.
Preparing the site
A shed is only as flat and solid as the ground under it. Before delivery, it helps to:
- Pick a spot with clear access for people and materials, and keep it away from trees and overhead wires.
- Level the area and set a firm base, such as compacted gravel or a leveled pad, so the floor stays flat and water drains away.
- Check the setbacks from the property lines and any easements in your city’s shed rules.
- Leave room in front of the door so the roll-up door can open fully.
Keeping the siding in good shape
LP SmartSide is a primed engineered wood siding that is painted after it is installed. Like any painted wood product, it lasts longest when the paint is kept in good condition. Look the shed over once a year, repaint any worn spots, keep soil and mulch from touching the bottom of the siding, and trim back plants that hold moisture against the walls.
| Location | East Vancouver, BC |
|---|---|
| Size | 5′ x 7′ (35 sq/ft, about 3.3 m²) |
| Design | Contemporary single-slope shed (modified) |
| Overhangs | Front 18″; sides and rear 6″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide, horizontal |
| Ceiling | Bare |
| Door | 4′ x 7′ roll-up door with dual cam locks |
| Windows | None |
| Electrical | None |
| Heat | None |
More photos
The photos below show more of the shed on site, the build and the delivery.
What to plan before ordering a small storage shed
A small shed is simple, but a few details are worth settling early.
- Size and permit: at 35 sq/ft (about 3.3 m²) this shed is well under the 10 m² (108 sq/ft) size that the BC Building Code leaves out. Zoning still applies, so check the Vancouver shed rules.
- Fit: measure the pad or yard space and allow for the roof overhang and the door swing or roll-up clearance.
- Security: on a street or lane with foot traffic, choose a door with a locking mechanism that is hard to pry open.
- Delivery: check that a trailer can reach the lane and that there is room to tilt the shed off.
Frequently asked questions
How big is this storage shed?
It’s 5 feet by 7 feet, which is 35 sq/ft (about 3.3 m²).
How long did it take to build and deliver?
The shed was designed, approved and delivered in about two weeks.
Does a shed this size need a building permit?
At 35 sq/ft it is well under the 10 m² (108 sq/ft) size that the BC Building Code leaves out. Zoning rules such as setbacks still apply, so check the Vancouver shed rules and confirm with the city.
How is the shed kept secure?
It has a roll-up door with dual cam locks, which is harder to force open than a standard door.
Can a small shed match the house?
Yes. This one uses horizontal siding and paint colours and trim that match the townhouse.
How was the shed moved to the site?
It was built in the shop, strapped to a flatbed trailer, driven to the lane and tilted off the trailer onto the pad.
What can you keep in a 5×7 shed?
A shed this size holds a couple of bikes, winter tires, sports gear and a few shelves.
More outbuildings to explore
Browse more Backyard Outbuildings, see all sheds, garages and barns, or read the Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit guide.