Accessory Buildings and Structures

Overview

All accessory buildings and structures are regulated under the City's Zoning By-laws, and may be subject to Building Code requirements.

The Zoning By-laws set out maximum sizes and setback requirements for sheds, garages, decks and other types of structures. Please see the Building Services section to find out whether a building permit is required or not.

What you should know...

Anything installed, constructed or erected may be defined as a structure. This includes all sheds, garages, carports, decks and hot tubs.

Swimming pools are regulated by a separate by-law. See the Fences and Swimming Pool pages for more information.

A General Guide

• any structure, except a hot tub, which is greater than 10 square meters in size requires a Building Permit prior to construction
• the total lot coverage of all accessory buildings and structures excluding detached garages, shall not exceed 5 percent of the total lot area
• all accessory buildings and structures are to be located in the back yard
• any accessory building or structure greater than 10 square meters requires a minimum setback of 1.0 meters from all neighbouring property lines
• any accessory building or structure greater than 1.8 meters in height requires a minimum setback 1.0 meters from all neighbouring property lines
• any accessory building or structure not greater than 10 square meters in size or 1.8 meters in height requires a minimum setback of 0.6 meters from all neighbouring property lines
• no accessory building or structure in a residential area may exceed 3.5 meters in height
• human habitation is not permitted in any accessory building or structure
• a minor variance application may be submitted to the City Development Department to request permission to reduce setback requirements

Resources

• Information packages for sheds
• Information packages for decks