Residential accessory buildings

An accessory building is a detached structure located on the same property as the main building. It is used for purposes that relate to and support the use of the main building. An accessory building does not allow for residential occupancy, except in the case of a garden suite. 

Accessory buildings serve functional or aesthetic purposes that complement the main building, while remaining secondary in use and scale. Common examples include detached garages, sheds, gazebos, storage buildings and farm shops.  

General information

• A principal building, structure, or use must exist on the lot before an accessory building can be considered. 
• The status of an accessory building as a permitted or discretionary use depends on the primary use it supports.  
• Zoning regulations, including setbacks and site coverage limits, vary by district. Please consult the appropriate zoning district for specific requirements. 
• Accessory buildings or structures must not be constructed over an easement or right-of-way. 

Permitting information

Before starting construction on an accessory building, it's important to know whether a development and/or building permit is required.  

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. 

Below are the guidelines to help you determine if your project requires a permit. 

A development permit will be required if the accessory building is greater than: 

• 11.2 square metres (120 square feet) on a lot less than or equal to 0.8 hectares (2 acres) 
• 18.6 square metres (200 square feet) on a lot greater than 0.8 hectares (2 acres) 
• 4.5 metres in height (14.76 feet) 
  • 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. 

Some agriculture accessory buildings such as, but not limited to, a granary, silo or three-sided hay shelter are exempt from requiring a Development Permit providing the use is permitted under the applicable zoning regulations, and all required setbacks are met. 

Fences, containers, solar collectors and dugouts have individual regulations. Please contact us for more information on them. 

A building permit must be obtained for accessory buildings that meet any of the following criteria: 

• The building is larger than 11.2 m² (120 ft²) 
• The construction value exceeds $5,000 (based on prevailing market rates) 
• The building is intended to be parked in, regardless of size or value 
• The building impacts health, safety, or structural integrity, regardless of its size or construction value. 

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Structural information

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”  

Foundations must be constructed to ensure both safety and compliance with applicable building standards. The type of foundation required depends on the size of the accessory building and the number of storeys it contains.

 

 

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Applying for permits

For details on submission requirements, please refer to the applicable brochure for your project. It outlines the documents, drawings, and application forms required.  

Printable Brochure - Rural and agriculture (291.3 KB)

Printable Brochure - Urban and hamlets (320.1 KB)

Accessory building fees

 

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