In Belarus, the requirements for the placement of private houses and outbuildings near the boundary of a neighboring plot have been changed. The new standards are contained in Amendment No. 4 to SN 3.01.03-2020, approved by the Decree of the Ministry of Architecture and Construction of the Republic of Belarus dated August 25, 2026, No. 70, and they come into force on December 1, 2026.

A residential house must be located no closer than 3 meters from the boundary of a neighboring plot, and outbuildings no closer than 2 meters. The distances themselves have not changed. The main innovation is elsewhere: previously, one could deviate from these requirements if the owner of the neighboring plot provided notarized consent. Now such an option is no longer available in the regulations.

The changes also affect the reconstruction of existing structures located closer than the prescribed distance. Such objects can be reconstructed within their existing areas and dimensions, or in such a way that the building does not become closer to the neighboring plot. That is, if an existing house already stands closer than three meters to the plot boundary, this in itself does not prohibit reconstruction. However, increasing its dimensions toward the neighboring plot is not allowed. A similar restriction applies to outbuildings, for which a minimum setback of two meters is established. Additionally, the question of measuring the distance has been clarified. It will now be measured strictly from the basement or external walls of the building to the plot boundary. This eliminates disputes about what exactly to measure from — the eaves, roof, protruding foundation, or the wall.