Garages, decks and outdoor home improvement

A building permit and inspection are required for all new garages or sheds over 10 meters square (107 square feet). Sheds under 10 square metres may require a permit if the shed is considered to cause a hazard.

The standard detached garage design form outlines what you will need to apply for your permit, as well as the basic requirements. For further electrical information, refer to the electrical for detached garageS (pdf). 

detached garage/shed design checklisT (pdf)

Looking to build a new deck, replace or add onto your existing deck? If your deck is more than two feet above finished grade (measured from the top of the finished deck to finished grade at any point around the deck), you WILL require a permit prior to starting the work. Any enclosure or roof (not including an open air pergola) over a deck or patio also requires permits.

The building a deck guideline outlines the requirements for obtaining a permit, as well as the safety requirements you must follow in the construction of your deck. 

Please note that access below the deck is required at the time of inspection.

uncovered deck checklisT (pdf)

Depending on the height and overall size of your gazebo or pergola, may or may not require permits. Before you begin, please review these details to ensure you can complete your project safely and in compliance with City bylaws.

Gazebos, pergolas and sunrooms are considered accessory buildings and therefore cannot be located in your front yard. 

Will you require a development permit?

• As long as your gazebo or detached pergola does not exceed 3.0m in height or 20.0m² in area you do not need a development permit. However, it still has to comply with all the other bylaw standards such as setbacks, total site coverage, etc.
• Even if you don’t require a development permit, you will still need to provide the Development Officer with written information detailing the proposed development. This is so we can confirm that it won’t be breaking any other bylaw standards.

Will you need an accessory or building permit?

• If your gazebo is under 10m2 (107 ft2) in area, you will not need a building permit. However, if it presents a risk to life safety (e.g. will have a snow load or is built of unconventional material), it may still require a building permit.
• Most detached pergolas do not need a building permit. However, if it presents a risk to life safety (e.g. will have a snow load or is built of unconventional material), it may require a building permit.

Gazebo, sunroom and roof structure requirements

Send us a message to confirm if your gazebo or pergola will need a building permit or not.

One thing you should have before you start to plan is a Real Property Report. 

A permit is not required to build a fence.

The style, colour and design for your fence may fall under the architectural guidelines set out by the developer. It is a good idea to check with the developer in your neighbourhood for special requirements.

Location

It is also critical that you locate your fence appropriately as not to create any future issues with adjacent landowners.  A surveyor may be able to assist you.

The following must be indicated in your submission or the application may not be accepted for processing.

Real Property Report or Site Plan:

• Must be complete, legible and indicate all right of ways setbacks, utility rights of way and any structures and projections on the property. 
• The location of the proposed swimming pool with dimensions to adjacent property lines and structures indicated.
• Fence and gate (location, style and height for outdoor pools must be provided).
• You must include the surrounding above ground deck (if applicable).

Pool information:

• Pool Size, shape and height above grade (if applicable).
• Surrounding above-ground deck and construction details (if applicable) (see deck permit guide lines for type of information required).
• Type and location of pool heater (if applicable)
• Location of chlorinator and equipment (if applicable)
• Location of space heating and ventilation equipment (indoor pools only)
•  Manufacturer’s installation brochure (for pre-manufactured pools) that includes make, model and CSA or ULC approval number.
•  Provide an indication of how the pool will be drained. It must have a hose long enough to reach a sanitary drain connection (Do not drain into a storm water drainage system).

Note:  A minimum 1.8m high fence is required for all outdoor hot tubs, swim spas and swimming pools that could contain a maximum amount of water exceeding 0.6m (2'-0"). The fence must be constructed so all horizontal or diagonal members are located on the swimming pool side and not the exterior side of the fence. The opening access through the fence must be the same height as the fence, be equipped with a self closing device with a latching mechanism not less than 1.5m above the ground and the gate must be capable of being locked.

Fence and gate requirements can be waived provided the pool, swim spa or hot tub is provided with a lockable cover conforming to ASTM F1346.

Note: Above ground swimming pools that are dismantled in the fall and put up again in the spring only require the initial building permit. Provided the pool is put up in the exact same spot as it was approved.