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Detached Garage and Shed
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Do I Need A Permit?
Minor structures under 1.85 metres (6 feet) do not require permits: barbecue, bird feeder, dog house, playhouse, flagpole, fire pit, lawn sculpture.
Permits are NOT required when a structure is:
- 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 height restrictions and location restrictions.
Height and location restrictions:
- Not located in the front yard.
- Roof midpoint is no higher than 4.3 metres (14.1 feet).
- No less than 0.9 metres (3 feet) from any other structure on the site.
- No less than 0.6 metres (2 feet) from interior side property lines (not a corner site). A minor structure may be located closer to interior side property lines if the height is not greater than 0.4 metres (1.3 feet) above the permitted fence height.
- No less than 0.6 metres (2 feet) from the rear property line if the structure exceeds 2.7 metres (8.9 feet) in height. A minor structure may be located at the rear property line if the height is less than 2.7 metres (8.9 feet).
For structures attached to a house or within 0.9 m (3 feet) of a house see Home Additions
Know Before You Buy
- Permits are required for kits, packages and pre-assembled structures larger than 10 square metres (108 square feet).
- Check to see if your product has Canadian Code approval. Many kits, packages and pre-assembled structures, including fabric-clad vehicle shelters and shipping containers (sea cans) do not meet Safety Codes standards and cannot be issued permits.
Tips for Planning Your Project
- Apply online and follow the steps below to prepare your application.
- For detailed information regarding detached garage or carport planning and permitting requirements and considerations, please refer to the .
- CLICK-Before-You-Dig or DIAL-Before-You-Dig: 1-800-242-3447 for no-cost utility marking.
- Expect longer processing times during peak season (March-August). Applications are typically processed within 3-4 weeks.
- Inspections may be required at various stages of your project. Review your building permit conditions to understand when to request inspections.
Step 1: Plan Your Structure’s Location
A site plan is required for all applications. Follow the steps below to submit a correct site plan and minimize application processing times.
Step 1A: Understand Your Location Restrictions
Location Restrictions
If your property is located on a corner lot, see the corner lots section.
1. Find the zone and overlay that apply to your property
- Enter your property’s address at maps.edmonton.ca
- In the general tab, scroll down to find the current zone and overlay sections.
- Note your current zone (RF1, RF2, RF3, RF4, RSL, etc.)
- Note whether overlays is none or Mature Neighbourhood Overlay.
- Need help? See the Zoning and Overlay Guide
2. Review the applicable file to understand the location restrictions for your property.
Shed and Accessory Structures Restrictions
Detached Garage Restrictions - Vehicle Doors Face Back Lane
Detached Garage Restrictions - Vehicle Doors Face Side Property Line
Detached Garage Restrictions - Vehicle Doors Face Street
If your zone and overlay combination is not listed, you can:
- Submit an application with your proposed project. Anticipate additional time (2 or more weeks) for your complex applications to be processed.
- Contact Us to understand the restrictions specific to your property.
Corner Lot
See the Zoning Bylaw for a current definition of corner lots.
If your property is located on a corner lot you can:
- Submit an application with your proposed project.
Anticipate additional time (2 or more weeks) for your complex application to be processed. - Contact Us to understand the restrictions specific to your property
Step 1B: Prepare a Site Plan
All projects require a site plan to be submitted with your application.
Location Checklist
Check the following location restrictions to create a correct site plan:
- 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), etc. 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.
Site Plan Requirements
A site plan must include:
- 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.
Step 2: Design Your Structure
General Design Requirements
Homeowners and/or contractors are responsible for ensuring that designs and construction meet safety codes.
The following items are often overlooked:
General Design Requirements
- Structures must have standard building door; an overhead vehicle door alone is not adequate.
- Windows are not permitted in walls closer than 1.2m (4 feet) from property lines except for the alley property line.
- Roof midpoint does not exceed 4.3 metres (14 feet) above finished ground level.
Foundation Options:
- Structures up to 55 sq m (592 sq ft) may be supported on a 100mm (4”) 32MPa concrete slab, or pressure-treated mudsill (minimum 4”x6” on compacted, drained gravel base on undisturbed earth).
- Concrete foundation walls on strip footings placed minimum 1.2m (48”) below grade around the entire perimeter of the building.
- Engineer-stamped site-specific foundation design for reinforced concrete slab floor-on-ground, grade beam and piles, preserved-wood foundation, or any proprietary system.
- Carports may be supported on piers with integral minimum 190mm x 190mm (8” x 8”) columns rising up to at least 150mm (6”) above the finished ground.
Header Beam Requirements
Where roof framing bears on the garage overhead doorway, header beams must be:
- 2-ply 2" x 10" (spruce/pine/fir #1 and #2) for opening up to 9' 6" wide,
- 4-ply 2" x 12" (spruce/pine/fir #1 and #2) for opening up to 16 '6" wide, or
- Submit ‘beam run’ calculation detail and supplier letter for LVL, LSL or PSL with your application.
Kits, Packages and Pre-Assembled Structures
- Permits are required for kits, packages and pre-assembled structures larger than 10 square meters (108 square feet).
Application requirements:
- Manufacturer package specifications and/or construction guide provided by the product manufacturer.
- Detached Garage/Shed Design Form
Structures with plumbing, gas, or electrical connections
- Plans for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas or electrical systems are not reviewed prior to the issuance of permits, as code compliance is verified during inspections. Homeowners and/or contractors are responsible for ensuring that design and construction meet code.
- Homeowners must live in their single detached home in order to apply for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits without a contractor.
- A certified trade contractor is required to apply for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits when the home shares a wall, ceiling or floor with a neighbour (duplex, semi-detached, row townhouse, condominium).
- All structural, heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas and electrical work must be inspected before installing insulation, drywall, or other coverings.
- The energy efficiency requirements of Section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Code do not apply to accessory structures without heating or cooling systems.
Custom Built Structures
Design drawings are required for all custom built structures.
Design drawings must include:
- Plan view
- Section view
- Elevation view
Design drawings requirements:
- Prepared by a person skillful 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.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
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 fees:
| 2022 Fixed Price Application Fees Effective January 1, 2022 |
|||
| Permit Type | Permit Fee | Safety Codes Fee | Total |
| Development Permit | $123 | - | $120 |
| Building Permit | $114 | $4.56 | $118.56 |
| Electrical Permit | $152 | $6.08 | $158.08 |
| Plumbing Permit | $114 | $4.56 | $118.56 |
| Heating, Cooling or Ventilation (HVAC) Permit | $114 | $4.56 | $118.56 |
| Gas Permit | $114 | $4.56 | $118.56 |
Additional charges may apply when the permits are obtained after a structure is built.
See the (effective January 1, 2022) for more information. Additional fees may apply.
There are several ways to make a payment.
Online Application Checklist
Required For All Applications:
- Site plan
Kits, Packages and Pre-Assembled Structures:
- Manufacturer package specifications and/or construction guide
- Detached Garage/Shed Design Form
Custom Built Structures:
- Design drawings
File Instructions:
- Name files to describe contents and project address (Example: “Site Plan - 321 45 Street NW")
- One combined file or multiple files are accepted
- Ensure the project address is included within every file
In-Person Application Checklist
To apply in person complete the following documents and visit the Edmonton Service Centre located in the Edmonton Tower Building. There are several ways to make a payment.
Required For All Applications:
Kits, Packages and Pre-Assembled Structures:
- Manufacturer package specifications and/or construction guide
- Detached Garage/Shed Design Form
Custom Built Structures:
- Design drawings
File Instructions:
- Ensure the project address is included on every file (Example: “Site Plan - 321 45 Street NW")
After You Apply
Application Processing
City staff will review your application to ensure your project complies with the City of Edmonton Zoning Bylaw and applicable Safety Codes.
Application processing times vary.
See up-to-date processing times for building permits and inspections.
City staff may request additional information at various stages of the Development Permit and Building Permit process. To learn how to reply to a more information request in selfserve.edmonton.ca, see the More Information Requested (MIR) Guide.
Changing Your Application or Permit
Changes to your submitted application may be subject to additional fees. To make changes while your application is in progress Contact Us. To make changes after your permit has been issued contact the Permit Issuer identified on your permit.
Scheduling Your Mandatory Inspection(s)
Inspections may be required at various stages of your project. Review your building permit conditions to understand when to request inspections.
Online Applications: Schedule your inspection online after your permit has been issued.
In Person Applications: Call 311 to book your inspection once your permit has been issued.
To learn more visit Safety Codes Inspection Services.
For More Information
Edmonton Service Centre
2nd Floor, 10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 0J4
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday
8am to 4:30pm
Contact Us
Edmonton, AB T5J 0J4
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday
8am to 4:30pm
Contact Us