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Detached Garage and Shed Permits

Permits are required for most garages, sheds, and accessory buildings to ensure they meet safety, zoning, and setback requirements.

Before beginning construction, review the information on this page to ensure your project meets all requirements and that you have applied for the necessary permits.

eApply

When do you need a permit?

You need a building permit to build or place a detached garage, carport, or shed on your property if:

The structure is over 10 m² (107 ft²) in size, or
It is attached to another structure, or
It includes electrical, plumbing, or heating systems, or
It's being built on a permanent foundation or concrete slab

A permit is not required for:

Sheds or storage buildings under 10 m² (107 ft ft²) with no utilities
Prefabricated sheds placed directly on the ground or patio blocks

How to apply?

You can apply online through eApply or in person at City Hall.

Your application should include:

Property address and owner information
Site plan showing property lines, existing buildings, and proposed structure
Construction drawings showing framing, foundation, and elevations
Truss and beam details (for larger garages)
Development permit if required (for location, height, or setbacks)

Permit Fees

Residential: minimum permit fee of $110.00 plus applicable Safety Codes Council levy. Fees increase based on the total construction value.
Commercial: minimum permit fee of $250.00 plus applicable Safety Codes Council levy. Fees increase based on the total construction value.
Additional fees may apply for trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), or re-inspections

Inspections

Inspections are required at key stages of construction, depending on your project you may need some or all of the following:

Footing, foundation or slab
Framing
Rough-in (HVAC, Gas, Plumbing, Electrical)
Insulation
Final

You must schedule inspections at least one business day in advance. Please schedule using the eInspections portal.

Things to know before you start

Helpful information to support homeowners and contractors in understanding key considerations, requirements, and resources for garage and shed development.

Development Approval

The first step is to obtain Development Approval. A Development Officer will review your site plan and building drawings to confirm they meet the minimum requirements of Land Use Bylaw 6300. Detached garages and sheds are considered Accessory Buildings and must follow specific requirements.

Setback Requirements

A setback is the minimum required distance between a structure and the property lines surrounding it.

All accessory buildings must:

Be located in side and rear yards only.
Be setback a minimum of 0.6 m (2"-0") from any side or rear property.
Be at least 1.2 m (4'-0") from the principal buildings on the parcel.
Not exceed a maximum height of 5.18 m (17'-0").
Cover no more that 14% of the parcel area.
Provide a minimum interior parking space of 2.6 m (8'-6") in width by 7.3 m (24"-0") in length, per space. Parking spaces adjacent to a wall, column, or door must be increased in width by an additional 0.3 m (1'-0").

Foundations

Accessory buildings up to 55 m² (592 ft²) may be supported by a mud sill or floating slab on grade.
Structures over 55 m² (592 ft²) are required to have a strip footing and 1.2 m (4'-0") foundation wall below frost line or an acceptable independently engineered foundation.