Sheds + detached garages

Learn more about building permit requirements for sheds and garages.

Sheds (accessory structures) 

A building permit is required to build a shed (accessory structure) if any of the following apply:
  • Greater than 15m² (161sq ft.) 
  • More than one storey 
  • Attached to a building or structure such as a deck
  • Supports a roof structure
  • Used for anything other than storage associated with the principal building on the lot
  • Has plumbing
  • Enlarge the current structure to greater than 15m² (161sq ft.) 
 
Zoning bylaw compliance applies whether or not a building permit is required.  Planning can be reached at planning@quintewest.ca or by calling (613) 392-2841 ext. 4907.

Garages (attached or detached) accessory structures such as gazebos, etc.

A building permit is required if you are constructing or proposing changes to an attached/detached garage, accessory structures such as a gazebo, etc., that:
  • Exceeds 10m² (108 sq ft.) in area or,
  • Contains plumbing (applies to structures of any size)
 
Any direct questions can be sent to building@quintewest.ca or by calling (613) 392-2841 ext. 4904 to ensure all guidelines for the municipality, as well as the requirements under the Ontario Building Code are being followed.

Incomplete information can delay the time it takes to process and issue the building permit. 

Forms:

You will need a completed permit application (PDF), two sets of plans and information (as listed in the application) to make an application. 

Other documents/information that may be required:

Requirements:

Who may design a shed or detached garage:

  • An architect, professional engineer or qualified designer with a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) is permitted to take responsibility for the design.
  • the homeowner is permitted to prepare and take legal responsibility for the design of a shed or detached garage for their home, provided they understand and are willing to take responsibility for the applicable requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
  • any person is permitted to prepare and take responsibility for the design of a shed or detached garage 55 m2 (592 sq. ft) in the area or under, provided they understand and are willing to take responsibility for the applicable requirements of the Ontario Building Code.

Download an example of a drawing (PDF). 

Drawings are required to be submitted and are to include:

  • Up to date site/plan survey showing the location of the proposed accessory structure, including dimensions to all property lines and other buildings/structures.
  • Foundation plan.
  • The floor plan uses the buildings, dimensions, framing information, door, window and lintel sizes.
  • Location of plumbing fixtures (if proposed).
  • Cross-section indicating all wall and roof materials.
  • Engineer’s stamped truss layout (if proposed, must be on-site for review by the building inspector).
  • Exterior elevations showing heights and roof slopes.
  • Slab-on-grade construction is only permitted for one-storey structures up to 55 m2 (592 sq. ft)in the area and measured to the outside face of the exterior walls unless designed by a Professional Engineer.
  • The same type of foundation must support the entire structure.
  • The Building Code limits openings in walls facing property lines or another building (may require more significant setbacks to property lines than what is required under the zoning by-law), design accordingly.
  • The roof overhang can encroach a maximum of 0.6m (2’-0”) into the setback. We recommend that roof overhangs not be located closer than 0.3m (1’-0”) to any property line.
  • The minimum unobstructed garage parking stall size is 2.8m x 5.5m (9’-2” x 18’-0”).
  • The owner shall ensure that the construction will not impact drainage on adjacent properties and is responsible for remedying any future drainage concerns resulting from the construction.

Application process:

Before submission, ensure that all necessary and applicable permissions and approvals are met.

A complete application must be submitted with all the required forms, documents and applicable drawings. Additional costs such as development charges and parkland will be calculated at the time of application and invoice at permit issue.

Bring the application and two copies of the required documentation to the Customer Service Counter located on the second floor of City Hall. We’re open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., Monday to Friday.

We accept cash, debit, or cheque (payable to the City of Quinte West).

After speaking with a representative from building services to determine permit and development costs, send the application and two copies of the required documentation and a cheque payable to the City of Quinte West to:

City of Quinte West
Building Services 
7 Creswell Dr.
PO Box 490
Trenton, ON  K8V 5R6

Submit payment:

  • By mail – send a cheque payable to the City of Quinte West to:

City of Quinte West
Building Services
7 Creswell Dr.
PO Box 490
Trenton, ON  K8V 5R6

Call 613-392-2841, ext. 4904 or email building@quintewest.ca to book an inspection. Inspections cannot be booked through your inspector. 

Provide the following information:

  • Address
  • Permit number
  • Contact information
  • Preferred date of inspection (minimum two business days notice) 
  • Preference of a.m. or p.m. (note that we may not be able to accommodate each requested time of day)

Please note that confirmation will not be provided unless requested.

Other Contacts:

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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