Detached Garage, Shed, Gazebo

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Detached garages and sheds are accessory buildings that are freestanding and detached from the house. Accessory buildings can also include carports, gazebos, pergolas, greenhouses, or playhouses.

Before You Apply

Do I need a permit?

Most accessory buildings require a development permit and a building permit, and some may require trade permits. The development permit and building permit are combined into a Home Improvement Permit.

Minor accessory structures, such as barbeques, bird feeders, dog houses, tree houses, flagpoles, fire pits and lawn sculptures, under 2.0 metres (6.6 feet) in height do not require permits.

Pergolas that are not attached to a building, do not contain enclosed walls or an enclosed roof, and are less than 4.3 metres (14.1 feet) in height from ground level do not require permits.

Permits are not required when the accessory building meets all of the following:

Less than 10 square metres (108 square feet)
Not attached to a house or any other building
Not connected to electricity, plumbing, or gas lines
Meets the following height and location criteria:
- Roof midpoint is no higher than 4.3 metres (14.1 feet)
- Is 0.6 metres (2 feet) from the interior side property line (not a corner site)(An accessory building may be located closer to interior side property lines if the 2.4 metres (7.9 feet) or less, measured to the peak of the roof)
- Is 0.6 metres (2 feet) from the rear property line (An accessory building may be located closer to the rear property line if the height is 2.4 metres (7.9 feet) or less, measured to the peak of the roof)
- Is 0.9 metres (3 feet) from any other building on the site
- For detached garages, 1.2 metres (4 feet) from the garage door to the property line next to the alley
- Does not go over the maximum site coverage for the zone
- Sheds, detached garages and carports are not allowed in the front yard. This may also apply to other accessory buildings such as gazebos. Check with our office on these.

Permits are required when the accessory building is:

Greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet), or
Does not meet the height, location and other criteria noted above
Is located in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System Protection Overlay
Is a Hen Enclosure

Are you building a structure that is attached to a house? A new attached garage, carport, shed, covered deck, pergola, or sunroom is considered an addition. See Home Additions.

Unsure Which Permits You Need?

Use the residential permit guide to help determine which permits you need and an estimate of fees before you apply.

Access The Guide

Who can apply?

Homeowners can apply for home improvement permits or have their contractors apply for the permits on their behalf.
Homeowners must live in their home in order to apply for homeowner heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical trade permits. Otherwise, a certified trade contractor must apply for the permit.
A certified trade contractor is required to apply for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits when the homeowner doesn’t live in the home or the home shares a wall with a neighbour (duplex, semi-detached, row townhouse, condominium).
All permits required can be applied for at the same time, but separate inspections will be required for the work associated with each permit.

Fees and Processing Times

Permit Fees

Most projects require a development permit and a building permit. City staff will determine which permits and fees apply to your project.

Each application is unique. Typical applications involve the following minimum fees:

2025 fees effective January 1, 2025:

Detached Garage (Accessory Building) Permit Fees

Development Permit Fee	$145
Building Permit Fee	Minimum $120
Safety Codes Permit Fee	Minimum $4.80
Total Permit Fee	Minimum $269.80

Review the 2025 Residential Permits and Fees Schedule (effective January 1, 2025) for associated permit fees.

There are several ways to make a payment.

Application Processing Times

Application processing times can be found on the development and construction application processing times web page in the home improvement permits section. You can also visit the building permit queue time web page for general building permit processing wait times or check the status of your specific application by visiting the project dashboard in selfserve.edmonton.ca.

Tips and Professional Support

Tips for Planning Your Project

Review the Detached Garage Design Guide for more information regarding detached garages and accessory structures
Ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements outlined in step 2 below to avoid application processing delays
Consider hiring a contractor or other professional support to help with the design and construction of your project as required
Be mindful of construction safety considerations, such as being aware of and not damaging gas or other utility line locations
Review the Project Implementation Plan Guide to help plan for a safe construction site.
Do not start construction until you receive your approved permits

Why you need a development permit
Development permits ensure your projects are allowed and fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood as per the Zoning Bylaw.

Why you need a building permit
Building and trade permits ensure that what is built is safe and that design and construction are done following the Alberta Safety Codes Act.

Why permits are important
Permits are an important part of guiding development and achieving the safe, inclusive, vibrant and walkable city envisioned by The City Plan.

Permits allow you to begin construction. Starting work without written permission can result in stop-work orders, fines or administrative penalties.

Step 1: Plan Your Project and Prepare Documents

There are different application requirements based on the location and complexity of your structure.

Understand Your Location Restrictions

Check Zone and Overlay Regulations

1. Find the zone and overlay that apply to your property

Go to maps.edmonton.ca/zoning
Select “I want to” in the top left and select “search by address”
Enter your address
In the related records tab, note your current zone (RS, RSF, or other zone)
Note any overlays

2. Review the applicable file to understand the location restrictions for your property

Rear Detached Garage - Location Restrictions

Rear Detached Garage - Location Restrictions for Zero Lot Line Properties

Sheds and other Accessory Buildings - Location Restrictions

If your zone and overlay combination is not listed, you can:

Contact Us to understand the restrictions specific to your property
Submit an application with your proposed project. Anticipate additional time (2 or more weeks) for your complex applications to be processed

Check Ground Restrictions

Check the following ground restrictions for planning your accessory structure location:

Identify utility lines. CLICK-Before-You-Dig or DIAL-Before-You-Dig: 1-800-242-3447 for no-cost utility marking.
Do not obstruct gas meters, bedroom windows, HVAC vents for dryer, furnace, heat recovery ventilation (HRV). Contact ATCO (780-424-5222) with questions about gas services and meters
Identify overhead utility lines. Contact EPCOR (780-310-4300) with questions concerning clearance from power lines and power pedestals
Identify restrictive covenants, utility rights-of-way, or easements. Check your construction plot plan, real property report, mortgage papers, talk to your home builder or request a Search of Records
Identify all ground characteristics, features, or structures that may impact or be impacted by your work. Review the Project Implementation Plan Guide to help plan your safe construction site.

Check Design Requirements

General Design Requirements

Review the Detached Garage Design Guide to understand the design requirements based on the structure type, size, and height of your proposed accessory structure. Homeowners and/or contractors are responsible for ensuring that designs and construction meet safety codes.

Structures with plumbing, gas, or electrical connections

Accessory buildings that contain plumbing, gas, or electrical services are required to have trades permits. Review Section 2 of the Detached Garage Design Guide to find out more information on trade permits.

Trade permits associated with the project are to be applied for when applying for the home improvement permit itself. There is an option to select a homeowner permit for some work, or indicate that a tradesperson will perform the work.

If no tradesperson is chosen at the time of permit application, there is a further option to come back and provide that online after the Home Improvement Permit is issued but before the trade work is done and requires inspection.

Homeowners and/or contractors are responsible for ensuring that design and construction meet the appropriate code. Code compliance is verified during inspections.

Kits, Packages and Pre-Assembled Structures

Permits are required for kits, packages and pre-assembled structures larger than 10 square meters (108 square feet).

Check to see if the kit or pre-assembled structure has approval for use in Edmonton. Many kits, packages, and pre-assembled structures, including fabric vehicle shelters and shipping containers (sea cans), do not meet Safety Codes standards. Engineering documents may be requested when the application is reviewed by City staff.

Simple Detached Garages

Simple detached garages are typically single-storey, square or rectangular in shape, and 55 square metres or less in area, serving a single detached house. These garages are located in a standard zone that does not have special restrictions, such as restrictive covenants or a top-of-bank restriction.

Where they meet all zoning and building code requirements, they do not require any application documents. They can be reviewed faster or issued immediately upon online submission of a complete application and fees.

Prepare Your Documents

Site Plan Requirements

The site plan shows the entire existing property. City staff need the site plan to understand where the proposed accessory building will be located on the site.

A site plan must include:

A north arrow
Property address
Corresponding streets and avenues
Dimensions of property lines
Location, measurements, and setbacks of proposed and existing buildings and structures
Identify applicable caveats, covenants, easements
Roof midpoint calculations

Sample Garage/Shed Site Plan & Checklist

Sample Roof Midpoint Calculations

Drawing Tips:

Draw on a real property report, plot plan, or graph paper
Metres or feet/inches are accepted. Please use units consistently

Detached Garage Design Form

Complete the Detached Garage/Shed Design Form for simple detached garages, and submit it with the Home Improvement Permit paper application form.

Complex Detached Garages and Accessory Buildings

Complex detached garages are typically over 55 square metres in size, are not square or rectangular in shape, are not located in the backyard, or the overhead door is not facing the rear lane (alley) and may have up to four units. These garages are more than one storey in height or are located in non-standard zones such as Direct Control. The property may have a restrictive covenant, is located adjacent to the river or ravine (top of bank), or is a historical resource.

Complex accessory buildings take longer to review and require application documents, such as a site plan, garage design, or engineered stamped drawings.

Prepare Your Documents

Site Plan Requirements

The site plan shows the entire existing property. City staff need the site plan to understand where the proposed accessory building will be located on the site.

A site plan must include:

A north arrow
Property address
Corresponding streets and avenues
Dimensions of property lines
Location, measurements, and setbacks of proposed and existing buildings and structures
Identify applicable caveats, covenants, easements
Roof midpoint calculations

Sample Garage/Shed Site Plan & Checklist

Sample Roof Midpoint Calculations

Drawing Tips:

Draw on a real property report, plot plan, or graph paper
Metres or feet/inches are accepted. Please use units consistently

Architectural Drawings

Design drawings are required for all custom-built structures.

Architectural drawings show the construction details such as structure dimensions, materials, height, walls, and windows locations. Review the Detached Garage Design Guide for more information regarding detached garages and accessory buildings and drawings requirements. The architectural drawings include the following elements:

Elevation Drawings
These drawings provide information regarding the dimensions of the proposed accessory building. Elevation drawings must include:
- Proposed exterior walls, including any windows and doors, and their dimensions.
- Specify finishing materials for walls (such as brick or stucco), roof (such as asphalt shingles of concrete tile), fascia, soffit, and other areas
- show height of the building including the dimensions of:
  - grade to top of finished main floor
  - top of the finished main floor to the eave
  - eave to roof ridge (highest point)
Floor Plan
Detailed floor plans are needed to make sure your application complies with the zoning bylaw and building code requirements. The floor plans must include:
- Property address
- Proposed floor layout of the accessory building (including stairs, doors, windows, walls, and other features)
Sections Drawings
A section is a view of a building that shows the structure sliced along an imaginary plane. They clarify building height, headroom heights, floor-to-floor heights, the building structure, and other measurements.

Drawings requirements:

Prepared by a person skilful in technical drawing, draftsperson, or professional
Minimum scale: 1/8"=1'-0" or 1:100; Preferred scale: 3/16"=1'-0" or 1:75
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Structure and Engineering Documents

Structure drawings and/or engineer-stamped plans and specifications are required where the design cannot be verified in Part 9 of the Code:

Foundation details (concrete slab, footing and frostwall, grade beam and pile, preserved wood foundation, other)
Beams/lintels (steel, engineered lumber, non uniformly-loaded built-up beams)
Roof and floor layouts (placement diagram(s), design sheets, supplier’s letter) and installation guide; or
Framing sketches for stick-framed roofs or floors, showing compliance with NBC(AE):B:9.23.

Additional Documents

Manufacturer package specifications and/or construction guide provided by the product manufacturer. Required for kits, packages, and pre-assembled structures.

Step 2: Apply

Submit an application for the building, development and/or trade permits associated with the project once all plans and supporting documents needed are prepared (see Step 1). Submitting an incomplete application can result in delays.

For Homeowners

Use the online self-serve wizard to submit an application.

Apply Online

For Contractors and Professionals

Submit an application for your client under your business account.

Drop off or Mail-In

Drop off or mail in your application to the Mail Room at the Edmonton Service Centre. Applicants need to include:

Home Improvement Permit Application Form
1 copy of all required documents for your project

Step 3: After You Apply

City staff will review your application to ensure your project complies with the Zoning Bylaw and the Alberta Safety Codes Act.

Making Changes Before Permit is Issued

Applicants can make changes while the application is in progress. Consult with the City employee assigned to your file.

Please note: changes may be subject to additional fees.

Manage Application

Making Changes After Permit is Issued

Permit holders can request changes after the permit has been issued by visiting the project dashboard.

Please note: additional charges may apply for revisions.

Manage Application

Please Note: additional charges may apply for revisions.

Permit Revisions Managed Online

Cancelling a Permit or Application

Complete and submit the cancellation and refund form if you no longer plan to continue with the work.

Cancellation/Refund Request Form

Replying to a More Information Request

City staff may also reach out to you to request additional information at various stages of the permit application review process.

More Information Requested (MIR) Guide

Step 4: Inspections

Inspections are done to verify that the work has been completed to code.

All structural, heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical work must be inspected before insulation, drywall, or other coverings are installed.

A single final building inspection is required after completing any trade inspections. The building inspector should be able to see many of the elements discussed in the Detached Garage Design Guide: wall and roof framing, including roof truss bracing, lintel placement, nailing and support, door and window location, eave (roof overhang) soffit treatment, cladding installation, any required fire rating gypsum, and so on.

A single building inspection is typically included; however, extra inspection fees may apply if return visits are needed due to unaddressed, inaccessible, or unsafe location, plans not on site for the inspector, or if work is incomplete or with continuing infractions.

Each inspection will have a pass or fail outcome, and the project is not complete until it passes all required inspections.

Permit holders can request an inspection within their SelfServe project dashboard under the 'Inspections' heading, or by calling 311.

Learn more about inspections

Please note: When mechanical work like HVAC, electrical, plumbing or gas is involved, separate inspections are required.

Need Help?

Contact our Development Services team to get help with your project.

For General Questions

Appointments
Book an appointment for general questions about your project and the permit requirements.

Phone
311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311)

Detached Garage, Shed, Gazebo

Do I need a permit?

Unsure Which Permits You Need?

Who can apply?

Fees and Processing Times

Permit Fees

Application Processing Times

Tips and Professional Support

Tips for Planning Your Project

Understand Your Location Restrictions

Check Design Requirements

Simple Detached Garages

Prepare Your Documents

Complex Detached Garages and Accessory Buildings

Prepare Your Documents

Drawings requirements:

Drop off or Mail-In

Making Changes Before Permit is Issued

Making Changes After Permit is Issued

Cancelling a Permit or Application

Replying to a More Information Request

Need Help?

For General Questions

Resources

Click Before You Dig