Accessory structures are separate from your main home, but must be on the property. Here are some examples of accessory structures: detached garages, garden sheds, swimming pools, gazebos and play equipment. Our zoning by-law regulates their size, type and location. These structures must also meet the Ontario Building Code. The fence by-law regulates the height and location of fences on your property.
Contact the Building Services Division before you begin construction or submit a building permit. We can help you determine if you need to meet the requirements of the zoning by-law.
You need a building permit for all construction over 10 square metres (107 square feet). Your accessory building or structure must still comply with the zoning requirements even if you do not require a building permit.
If you're building a fence around your swimming pool you will need a pool enclosure permit. Contact the Building Services Division to determine if the building or structure you want to construct requires a building permit or pool enclosure permit.
Learn how to apply for a building permit.
Accessory buildings and structures must be set back a minimum of 0.6 metres (2 feet) from your property line in urban areas, or 1.2 metres (4 feet) in rural areas.
Above ground and in-ground pools must be set back a minimum of 1.2 meters (4 feet) from your side and rear property lines.
Accessory buildings and structures in your front yard or exterior side yard (for corner lots) must meet the minimum setback for the zone. They must not be located in visibility triangles, meaning you cannot obstruct the view for drivers and pedestrians in the corner of your property that's located near the street.
There are different standards in the zoning by-law for the size of the structure you build. It all depends if your property is located in an urban, rural or agricultural area. The Zoning By-law outlines lot coverage and floor area permitted for your structure.
Lot coverage is the total footprint of a building or structure on a lot divided by the total lot area. Floor area is measured by the horizontal distance between the interior faces of the interior walls of the building or structure at the level of each floor. Do not include swimming pools in your lot coverage or floor area calculations.
There is also a maximum height for accessory buildings and structures, depending on whether your property is in an urban or rural area.
Drawings prepared by the homeowner are acceptable for submission as long as they are drawn to scale and accurately describe the construction. You may use standard garage drawings to submit with your permit application or use the information contained to prepare your drawings.
The following drawings are usually required:
Designers other than the homeowner of an accessory structure that exceeds 50 square metres (538 square feet) in building area must be qualified. For more information on qualification, visit the Government of Ontario Qualification and Registration page.
The cost of the building permit is $5.09 per square metre of floor area, with a minimum $117 charge.
Building, heating and electrical inspections may be required.
To arrange for an inspection, please call 905-623-7876. Call before 3 p.m. for next day inspection.
Contact the Building Services Division for more information.
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