Knowledge Base

Building an Accessory Building on Your Property? Here's What You Need to Know

Whether you're planning to install a shed, workshop, or detached garage, it's important to understand the local regulations before you build. Accessory buildings are a great way to add functionality to your property — but they come with specific rules to ensure they’re safe, compliant, and in harmony with your neighborhood.

Here’s a summary of the key regulations for accessory buildings in Residential Districts under the current Land Use Bylaw:

When a Development Permit Is Not Required

You do not need a Development Permit if your accessory building:

• Has a gross floor area under 9.0 m² (96.9 ft²)

• Is not on a permanent foundation

• Meets all setback requirements in the Land Use Bylaw

These small structures are often used for storage and include things like garden sheds or tool lockers — as long as they remain temporary and within legal limits.

What Happens When It’s Attached to the House?

If an accessory building is attached to the principal building (even by a roofed structure or breezeway), it is no longer considered a separate accessory building. In that case, all the same rules and yard setback requirements that apply to your house will also apply to the addition.

General Requirements for All Accessory Buildings

Regardless of size, all accessory buildings must:

• Comply with the current Land Use Bylaw

• Not be located in the:

  • Front Yard

  • Flanking side yard

  • Easement

  • Utility right-of-way

Size and Coverage Limits:

• Cannot exceed the floor area of the main building

• Cannot exceed the maximum site coverage

• Cannot cover more than 12% of the total lot area

Setback Requirements (see diagram in brochure):

• 1.2 m (4.0 ft.) from your house (for fire separation)

• 0.9 m (3.0 ft.) from the side property line

• For laneless subdivisions: 0.6 m (2.0 ft.) from the rear line

• For lane-access lots: 0.6 m (2.0 ft.) or 4.8 m (15.75 ft.) from the rear line depending on structure type and usage

Design Compatibility Requirements

If you're building a new accessory building or making structural changes to an existing one, it must:

• Be visually compatible with your main house

• Use similar materials, colors, and roof styles

• Include design elements like matching window/door styles

Exceptions: Prefabricated buildings and any accessory building under 10.0

m² (107.5 ft²) are exempt from the design compatibility rule.

Click here to view or download the full brochure on Residential Garages Regulations

For additional Information see the Town's Land-Use Bylaw 1 -2020 - Schedule B - Part Two - Accessary Buildings