Backyard Outbuildings

Backyard outbuildings add space to a home without adding on to the house. This gallery shows real projects built across BC: backyard offices, studios, garden sheds, cabins, garages and a few commercial buildings. Most are small, modern buildings with a single-slope shed roof, a wall of glass and siding chosen to handle wet Westcoast weather. Each project page has a photo gallery, a spec table and notes on size and permits.

Popular backyard outbuildings

Start with these projects. Each one has a full photo gallery and a spec table.

Backyard offices and studios

Sheds

Cabins

Garages and workshops

Commercial buildings

What size of backyard outbuilding fits your yard?

Size is the first choice, and it decides whether a building permit is needed. Most of the offices and sheds above are 8×10 to 8×13, which keeps them under 10 m² (about 108 sq/ft). Under 10 m², most BC cities don’t ask for a building permit. Zoning still applies, so height, setbacks and lot coverage rules still count.

• Up to about 80 sq/ft (6×8, 8×10): garden sheds, tool sheds, storage and a small office.
• About 96 to 104 sq/ft (8×12, 8×13, 10×10): backyard offices, studios and bedrooms. These still fit under 10 m².
• 108 sq/ft and up (9×12, 10×12, 10×16, 12×12): bigger studios, gyms, cabins and workshops. These are at or over 10 m², so plan for a building permit.

Check the Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit guide and the Shed Rules by City before choosing a size.

Frequently asked questions

What is a backyard outbuilding?

It’s a separate building on the same lot as a house. Common uses are a garden shed, a home office, an art or music studio, a gym, a guest room or a small cabin.

Do you need a permit for a backyard outbuilding in BC?

Usually not for a building under 10 m² (about 108 sq/ft), but zoning rules still apply, and power or plumbing need their own permits. Each city sets its own rules, so check the Shed Rules by City for your area.

Can a backyard outbuilding be used as an office year-round?

Yes, if it has insulation, power and heat. See the North Vancouver Backyard Office for an example built for daily work.

What about a bigger building with a kitchen and bathroom?

A building with a kitchen and bathroom that someone lives in full-time is a laneway house or coach house, not an outbuilding, and it follows different rules. See Modular Laneway House Designs.