Most accessory structures require a development permit and a building permit, and some may require trade permits. The development permit and building permit are combined into a Home Improvement Permit.
Minor accessory structures, such as barbeques, bird feeders, dog houses, tree houses, flagpoles, fire pits and lawn sculptures, under 1.85 metres (6 feet) in height do not require permits.
Permits are not required when the accessory structure meets all of the following:
- Less than 10 square metres (108 square feet)
- Not attached to a house or any other building
- Not connected to electricity, plumbing, or gas lines
- Meets the following height and location criteria:
- At least 18 metres (59 feet) from the front property line
- Roof midpoint is no higher than 4.3 metres (14.1 feet)
- Is 0.6 metres (2 feet) from the interior side property line (not a corner site)(a minor structure may be located closer to interior side property lines if the height is not greater than 0.4 metres (1.3 feet) above the permitted fence height)
- Is 0.6 metres (2 feet) from the rear property line if the structure exceeds 2.7 metres (8.9 feet) in height (an accessory structure may be located at the rear property line if the height is less than 2.7 metres (8.9 feet))
- Is 0.9 metres (3 feet) from any other structure on the site
- For detached garages, 1.2 metres (4 feet) from the rear property line, if the garage overhead door faces the alley
- Does not go over the maximum site coverage for the zone
Permits are required when the accessory structure is:
- Greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet), or
- Does not meet the height and location criteria noted above
Are you building a structure that is attached to a house or other building? A new attached garage, carport, shed, covered deck, pergola, or sunroom is considered an addition. See Home Additions.
Unsure Which Permits You Need?
Use the residential permit guide to help determine which permits you need and an estimate of fees before you apply.