Sheds and Garages

For detailed information, see our Shed and Garage Construction Guide

Based on the recent amendments of the Ontario Building Code (Ontario Regulation 451/22 Section 28), a shed intended for storage only and is ancillary (accessory) to a principal building on a lot does not require a building permit if it:

• is not more than 15 m² (161 sq ft) in gross area,
• is not more than one storey in building height,
• is not attached to a building or any other structure, and
• does not contain any plumbing.

If the Accessory Building does not meet the above criteria, a Building Permit is required except where it:

• is less than or equal to 10 m² (107 sq ft) in gross area,
• is not attached to a building or any other structure, and
• does not contain any plumbing

Note: An accessory structure must comply with the Ontario Building Code and the City of Oshawa's Zoning By-Law.

General zoning restrictions

In most cases, these are the requirements for your shed/detached garage:

The maximum size is whichever of the following is smaller:

• 8% of the total lot area or,
• 50% of the lot coverage of the house on the lot or,
• 60 m2 of ground floor area

The minimum required distance from your property line is 2 ft.

The maximum height from the ground to the roof peak is 14 ft 9 in.

Note: the restrictions apply to all structures, even in the case where a permit is not required.  For full zoning requirements see section 5.1 of the City of Oshawa's Zoning By-Law.

Permit application requirements

• A completed building permit application form and a Schedule 1 Designer Information form.
• An owner's authorization form will be required if the applicant is not the property owner.
• One copy of the property survey or site plan showing the dimensions of all existing buildings and your proposed shed or garage. Be sure to include the distance to all your property lines. If you do not have a copy of your survey, we will accept a hand-drawn likeness.
• If the foundation of your new shed or garage will be concrete, please visit Engineering Services on the 9th floor at City Hall (50 Centre St. S.) to get a site alteration clearance letter. You can email Engineering Services or call 905-436-5606.
• One copy of your plans showing how you plan to build your new shed or garage.
• Permit fee when you apply. You may pay by cheque (payable to the City of Oshawa), cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
• Permit applications can be submitted digitally by emailing all documents and drawings, in P.D.F. format, to Building Services
  

Learn more about permits, forms and fees on our building permits page. 

Call before you dig

It is important you call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before you dig to have them locate any underground utilities and avoid any damage during construction.