An accessory structure is a detached building naturally or normally incidental, subordinate, and exclusively devoted to the principal building and which is located on the same lot or site as the principal building. 

Accessory buildings are not intended to support any occupancy. Typical accessory buildings include, but are not limited to, detached garages, sheds, gazebos, storage buildings and farm shops.

General information:

Provided the zoning setbacks are met, and the use is permitted for the zoning, Development permits are not required for:

• Accessory agricultural buildings such as a granary, silo, or three-sided hay shelter 
• Accessory buildings under 4.5 m (15 ft.) in height and not exceeding a ground floor area of 11.2 m2 (120 ft.) on a lot with an area less than or equal to 0.8 ha (2 acres)
• Accessory buildings under 4.5 m (15 ft.) in height and not exceeding a ground floor area of 18.6 m2 (200 ft.) on a lot with an area greater than 0.8 ha (2 acres)

Building Permits are required for: 

• All buildings greater than 11.2 m2 (120 ft.) or over $5000.00 in construction value (prevailing market value applies)
• Any building being parked in, regardless of the size or construction value
• Any building where the health, safety or structural sufficiency is affected, regardless of the size or construction value

Zoning setbacks are not applicable to and permits are not required for:

• Minor developments not exceeding 2.0 m (6.5 ft.) in height, where there is an existing dwelling. This includes, but is not limited to a barbecue, composting bin, garbage enclosure, lawn sculpture, privacy screen or bird feeder.

General regulations:

• An accessory building shall not be considered without a principal building, structure or use 
• An accessory building shall be considered a permitted or discretionary use depending on the use the accessory building is subordinate to
• Please see the appropriate zoning district for specific regulations (setback information and site coverage maximums)
• An accessory building may be considered part of the principal building when it is attached to the principal building by a roof, an open or enclosed development above grade, an above grade floor or any development below grade allowing access between the buildings 
• An accessory building or structure shall not be constructed over an easement or right-of-way

Foundation information:

 For a single storey accessory building, not exceeding 55 square metres (600 sq. ft), and no dimension exceeding 30 feet, one of the following foundations will be required:

• Wood mud sills, provided the building is not of masonry, or masonry veneer construction
• A concrete floating slab, provided it is at least 100mm (4 inches) thick and walls are anchored every 2.4 metres (8 feet)
• A 1.2 metre (4 foot) deep concrete frost wall on a strip footing
• A deep foundation (pile and grade beam) designed and sealed by a professional engineer

For a single storey accessory building exceeding 55 sq. m (600 square feet), or with a dimension exceeding 30 feet, one of the following foundations will be required:

• A structural slab designed and sealed by a professional engineer or a registered architect
• A deep foundation (pile and grade beam) designed and sealed by a professional engineer or a registered architect
• A 1.2 metre (4 foot) deep concrete frost wall on strip footing

 For two storey accessory buildings, one of the following foundations will be required:

• A structural slab designed and sealed by a professional engineer or a registered architect
• A deep foundation (pile and grade beam) designed and sealed by a professional engineer or a registered architect
• A 1.2 m (4 foot) deep concrete frost wall

Wall heights:

Wall height allowances considered without engineering include:

• 2 x 4 walls, spaced 12 inches on centre, not higher than 9’8”
• 2 x 6 walls, spaced 16 inches on centre, not higher than 11”8” 

Please note: 

• Fences, containers, solar collectors and dugouts have individual regulations.
• Height is measured from building grade to the highest point of the building, provided the roof pitch is less than 20 degrees (5/12). If it is greater, the height is measured to the mid point between the eave line and ridge.

Applying for permits

A development permit approves the location and use of a structure.

A building permit approves the structural and safety aspects and includes inspections by a safety codes officer.

To obtain the necessary permits, you are required to submit:

• A completed development permit application form with landowner signature
• A completed building permit application form
• Three (3) copies of a site plan which includes
  • All structures on the property and the proposed development
  • Distances to the property lines from the proposed development
  • Dimensions of the property
  • Dimensions of the proposed development
  • Easements and utility rights-of-way
    (note: a site plan prepared by an Alberta land surveyor may be required)
• Three (3) copies of the  showing the length, width, height, roof pitch, square footage and window/door locations and sizes of the proposed development
• 2 (two) copies of the foundation plan
• 2 (two) copies of a structural cross section plan with specifications for stick built buildings (not required for a prefab package with engineered trusses)
• Letter describing the use of the accessory building
• Current copy of title (printed within 30 days of application)
• A fire safety plan - information on construction fire safety plans and protection requirements

Accessory building fees

Please see "Accessory Building" in the development and building fee schedule.

Printable Brochure - Rural & Agriculture (750.6 KB)
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