How close to the edge?

[USAFpj]

In the initial stages of building this pole barn, my grader cleared a 40x50 compacted pad over a steep area that, to be leveled out, has about a 4ft high 'low side' to it.

My question is- how close to the edge of the pad can the poles be set, right next to the 'drop off'?

The site is clay/soil, compacted well, and will have 4in of crusher before the poles are set.

My grader said he likes about a 5ft perimeter, but I'm trying to turn the building 90 degrees, which might only give about 2.5ft before it gets close to the cliff.

 

[383 240z]

As far as you can. My building, not built by me, is about 2-3' max from the hillside, all it does is trap leaves and snow against the building. I have to clear it every spring. Oh how I wished it was 7-8' away, at least it would be useful space

 

[Jess]

Consider what room it takes to set up a ladder or scaffolding and make it that big. I have 6 ft around my building in crushed stone and its easy to keep, set up a ladder to clean gutters and put up scaffolding to get at the roofing for maintenance. Its easy to do before you start building, rather than change your mind later...