How to figure out the maximum shed size without a permit:
Most major Canadian Municipalities allow for a maximum shed size without a permit of 10 square metres or 107 square feet.
Sheds such as our 10 x 10 | 8 x 10 | 8 x 12 can typically be built in most Metro Vancouver Municipalities without a building permit.
If you want to build a shed larger than the maximum shed size allowed without a permit you will need to obtain a building permit from your local municipality.
Figuring out the maximum shed size without a permit in your local municipality is easy.
- Call your Municipalities Building Department.
- Ask them these three question;
- “I’d like to build a shed in my backyard. What’s the maximum shed size without a permit”.
- “Do you measure that by the Roof-Print or the Foot-Print”?
- “Is there somewhere on your website I can download this information.
Roof-Print Vs. Foot-Print
The Roof-print or the Foot-print question is really important as each calculation will result in a different shed size.
The roof-print measures the extreme outside corners of the roof overhangs while the foot-print measures the extreme outside corners of the walls/siding.
If you measure the shed by the RED Roof-Print you get 12 x 12 = 144 Sq/Ft
If you measure the shed by the GREEN Foot-Print you get 10 x 10 = 100 Sq/Ft
Same Shed, 2 different sizes. Determining how your municipality measures is very important the last thing you want to do is build your shed too large.
3 Tip For Dealing With Your Building Department:
- Always Be Polite – Seems simple but you’d be amazed at how far this can get you.
- If quoted a specific bylaw or zoning regulation always ask for a paper copy for your records.
- When possible always try and deal with the same person for all your questions.
Here are some links to Metro Vancouver Municipal Websites:
Vancouver
North Vancouver District
North Vancouver City
West Vancouver
Richmond
Burnaby
Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam
Port Moody
Surrey
Maple Ridge
Pitt Meadows
Langley
Delta
White Rock