Knowledge base
Where do I measure a pergola boundary from?
Why the legal curtilage boundary matters more than the visible face of a fence.
Measure to the boundary of the dwellinghouse's curtilage, not automatically to whichever face of a fence is easiest to reach. A fence, hedge or wall can be offset from the legal line, so resolve any uncertainty before using a boundary distance to make a planning decision.
Planning Portal's England outbuilding guidance sets a special overall-height limit when a building, enclosure or container is within 2 metres of that curtilage boundary. The same page says its guidance is introductory rather than definitive and advises contacting the local planning authority when classification or permission is uncertain.
For a straightforward enclosed garden, make a dimensioned site sketch showing the proposed outside edge of the pergola and the nearest boundary. Measure the finished structure at its widest point, including a roof or gutter that projects beyond the posts. Do not use the centre line of a post if the beam extends closer to the boundary.
Where the title line is disputed or the physical feature does not match the paperwork, a planning website cannot determine ownership. Check the available property documents and take appropriate professional advice. Avoid attaching anything to a neighbour's fence or wall without their permission; ownership of that feature is a separate issue from planning.
Rules for the distance and height test differ outside England. Use the official national guidance and the council serving the property.
Sources
- Planning Portal: outbuildings — accessed 14 November 2026.
- mygov.scot: sheds, garages and similar buildings — accessed 14 November 2026.
- GOV.WALES: planning permission for outbuildings — accessed 14 November 2026.
Read putting a pergola next to a boundary, where to site a pergola and the glossary definition of curtilage.