North Vancouver Shed Regulations:
The regulations for placement and construction of sheds on one and two family dwelling lots can be found in Bylaw 3210 – Zoning Bylaw Part 3.
Please refer to the appropriate neighbourhood zone for specific regulations pertaining to ‘Other Accessory Buildings and Structures’.
Sheds are meant to be used as minor accessory structures for storing goods ancillary to the principal use of single or two family dwelling. Sheds are not permitted in a front yard in most zones and cannot be used for vehicle parking or a home occupation.
Sheds less than 10 square metres (sqm) in area
Small sheds less than 10 sqm (108 square feet) must comply with the accessory building regulations contained in the Zoning Bylaw.
Minimum setback distances from property lines and structures as well as maximum building height allowances vary throughout neighbourhood zones. Generally, the setbacks and height restrictions for a shed ancillary to a single family dwelling are as follows:
- 3m (10 ft) from a street (other than a fronting street)
- 1.5m (5 ft) from a lane
- 1.2m (4 ft) from a side property line
- 1.5m (5 ft) from any structure
- 3.6 (12 ft) maximum height for a flat roof
- 4.5m (15 ft) maximum height for a roof with a slope greater than 3 in 12
As mentioned, it is important to determine the restrictions for setbacks, siting and height, specific to the neighbourhood zone.
A building permit is not required for the construction of a shed less than 10 sqm. However, a site plan is required indicating the placement and size of the structure on the property, whether a permit is required or not. (To be submitted to the Building Department).
Sheds more than 10 sqm
Sheds greater than 10 sqm are classified as accessory buildings but are not permitted as parking structures.
A shed can however be built-in combination with a parking structure. Sheds are again, considered minor storage buildings ancillary to the use of one and two family dwellings. A building containing a use such as parking, studio, dwelling or hobby area is not classified as a shed and may not be permitted.
A building permit is required prior to construction and must comply with the Zoning Bylaw.
You may refer to the Zoning Bylaw on-line at www.dnv.org.
It is advisable to contact a Residential Plans Reviewer prior to submission for building permit. You may contact us at 604-990-2480 or visit the District Hall (Building Dept), at 355 W Queens Rd, for more information on sheds.
Here’s some links to Metro Vancouver Municipal Websites:
City of Vancouver
District of North Vancouver
City of North Vancouver
West Vancouver
Richmond
Burnaby
Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam
Port Moody
Surrey
Maple Ridge
Pitt Meadows
Langley
Delta
White Rock