Sheds and accessory buildings can not only add functionality to your property, but some of these structures can also offer beautiful outdoor living space to gather with friends and family. Make sure you are building these in the right location on your property and ensure they are built safely by following the requirements below.
Shed and accessory building permit requirements
If your proposed shed/accessory building:
- Exceeds 15 square metres (161 square feet) in gross area,
- Exceeds 1 storey in building height, regardless of size,
- Is attached to another building or structure, or
- Contains any plumbing, regardless of size,
You must get a permit before starting any construction. Note that the shed/accessory building may need to comply with the zoning bylaw even if a building permit is not needed.
If at any time you have a question or are unsure whether a building permit is required, please call the Building Department at 905-335-7731 or email buildingpermits@burlington.ca.
Accessory buildings are detached from other buildings/structures but on the same lot or property. They are auxiliary buildings used with the main house on the property. An accessory building/structure can include sheds, gazebos, garages, carports, greenhouses/solariums, cabanas, shipping containers and other similar-type structures.
When submitting a building permit application for a shed or accessory structure you will need:
- A Pre-Building Approval Application issued by the Community Planning Department
- A completed building permit application
- Designer schedules to show all designer qualifications, as per the OBC
- The following construction drawings:
- Floor plan(s) for each storey – fully dimensioned including room names/types
- Exterior elevation(s) for all building sides, including window and door openings & sizes, building height, level of finished grade
- Cross-sectional details showing footing/foundation construction, wall/floor construction, roof construction
- A site plan - fully dimensioned showing lot lines, existing and proposed structures and setback distances.
- Truss details stamped by a professional engineer if using pre-manufactured trusses.
- Permit fees – View our Building Permit Fee Schedule for more information on building permit fees.
Sheds and Accessory Structures Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What other approvals are necessary before I can get a building permit? |
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Before you can get a building permit, you may need a pre-building approval application, which is the city’s written confirmation of the current zoning, forestry and site grading/drainage regulations for a property. For questions about the pre-building approval process, call the city’s Community Planning Department at 905-335-7642. Other regulatory approvals may be necessary if your property lies within Conservation Halton or Niagara Escarpment Commission boundaries. It is your responsibility as the property owner to contact those applicable agencies to determine their requirements when developing on your property.
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What do I need when submitting a building permit application? |
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Do I need a qualified designer for my drawings? |
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A homeowner can design a building/structure for their property without being qualified under the Ontario Building Code Act. The owner must prepare plans and specifications with enough detail to demonstrate the project complies with the code. If any person other than the owner prepares plans and takes responsibility for the design of a building, they must have the required technical qualifications under the Ontario Building Code. A declaration of designer form, "Schedule 1" available through the Building Department, must be completed by the designer of the drawings. |
How much will my permit cost? |
| There is a minimum fee payable when you apply for a building permit. The fee includes plan review and site inspection services. View our Building Permit Fee Schedule for more information on building permit fees. Please refer to 'Schedule A' of the city's Building Permit By-law for all fees. |
How long will it take to get a permit? |
| Once you submit your building permit application, a plan review will be conducted within 10 business days. At that time, your permit will either be issued or an application status report will be sent with items that need to be addressed before the city can issue a permit. |
How do I submit my application for a building permit? |
| The city only accepts permit applications through electronic submission. You can email your application, drawings and documents to buildingpermits@burlington.ca. All submissions must meet the city's electronic application submission standards. The submission standards can be accessed by visiting our Applying for a Building Permit webpage or by contacting the Building Department. |
Do I need to call for inspections? |
| Yes, once your permit is issued, you will receive a checklist indicating which inspections are needed. You must contact the building inspector directly to book all required inspections. Building inspector contact information will be provided on your issued permit card. |