Per the California Residential Code detached accessory structure not exceeding 120 square feet does not require a building permit if there is no plumbing, electrical, and or mechanical equipment. Please note, Sheds and/or Structures under 120 square feet do require a Planning Permit.
Building permits are valid for the duration of construction provided construction is on-going. Where work has not started or has stopped, the permit is valid for up to 6 months (as per the Ontario Building Code). However, a Building Inspector may decide to provide you with an extension to your permit.
If your backyard shed, garden shed, or storage shed is less than 160 square feet (or 15 square meters) you can construct it WITHOUT a building permit. A Building permit is required for any shed over 160 square feet. Building permits are always required for accessory structures that contain plumbing.
Just recently, Ontario introduced a new rule where you can build up to 15 sq m under the following conditions: 1. You have to build on a property that already has a house or cottage. 2. The building has to be a single story.
A good place to start is the website for the local building department or zoning board. There you will find a list of the codes that apply to your area and information on how to comply with them.
The good news is that many concrete installations at or just above grade will not need a permit. Don't give in to the temptation to just skip the permitting process entirely, though -- you could end up with a citation; retroactive permit costs; fines; and perhaps difficulty in financing, insuring, or selling your home.
The maximum shed size without a permit is 160 square feet (15m²).
Yes, you typically need a permit to build a deck on your property. Check with your local building department for specific regulations. Permits help ensure your deck meets safety standards and local codes. Always obtain the required permits before starting construction.
After putting it to the test in various backyards and gardens, we've found that the largest shed without permit is around 120 square feet. This size limit seems to be a sweet spot for many local authorities, allowing homeowners to add a functional structure without overstepping regulatory boundaries.
Storage sheds that are less than 120 square feet and eight feet in height do not require a building permit, but still require Planning Division approval through an over-the-counter application called a Zoning Clearance.