Do You Need a Permit for a Shed or Bunkie in Ontario or Quebec?
It is one of the first questions homeowners ask before buying a shed or bunkie: do I need a permit for this? The short answer depends on size, use, and your municipality – but most storage sheds and smaller bunkies in Ontario and Quebec can be built without a building permit at all.
Here is what you need to know before you buy.
Ontario: The 160 Square Foot Rule
In Ontario, the Building Code sets the threshold for when a permit is required. As of 2022, sheds and accessory structures under 160 square feet (approximately 15 square metres) do not require a building permit, provided the structure is used for storage only.
This was an important update. The old limit was 108 square feet, and many homeowners and even some contractors are still working from outdated information. If you have been told you need a permit for a small backyard shed, it is worth confirming which rule applies in your situation.
The key conditions for permit-free construction in Ontario are:
- The structure is 160 square feet or less
- The structure is used for storage (not sleeping, working, or living)
- The structure does not include plumbing or a heating system
- The structure does not have a fireplace
If your shed or bunkie will be used as a sleeping space, guest room, home office, or any purpose beyond storage, Ontario’s Building Code treats it as a building regardless of size, and a permit will be required.
What About Bunkies?
Bunkies occupy a grey area. A small bunkie designed purely for occasional sleeping — with no plumbing and no permanent heating — may not require a permit in some municipalities, but this is not guaranteed.
The general rule of thumb: if it is under the size threshold and used only for storage, no permit is needed. Once you add a bed, power, or any living function, most municipalities will require a permit.
The safest approach is to contact your local building department before purchasing. West Quebec Shed Company can guide you through this conversation and help you understand what applies to your specific property.
Setbacks and Zoning Bylaws Still Apply
Even when no building permit is required, local zoning bylaws always apply. These govern:
- Setbacks — how far the structure must be from your property line (typically 2 to 3 feet, but this varies)
- Height restrictions — some municipalities cap the height of accessory structures
- Total lot coverage — bylaws may limit how much of your lot can be covered by structures
- Shoreline properties — if your property is on a lake or river, additional setbacks often apply
Zoning rules are set by individual municipalities, not by the province. What applies in Ottawa may differ from what applies in Gatineau, Almonte, or Wakefield. When in doubt, check with your local building department or contact us — we work across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec and can point you in the right direction.
Quebec: Check with Your Municipality
Quebec does not have a single provincial building code equivalent to Ontario’s for accessory structures. Permit requirements are set at the municipal level and vary widely.
In Gatineau, for example, a permit is generally required for any permanent structure, including sheds, regardless of size. However, the process is straightforward and West Quebec Shed Company has experience helping clients navigate it.
For properties outside Gatineau — in the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, the Pontiac, or further into the Laurentians — rules differ by municipality. The best first step is always to call your local municipal office before purchasing.
When Plumbing Changes Everything
Regardless of size or use, any structure with plumbing requires a building permit in Ontario. This applies to sheds, bunkies, workshops, and any other accessory structure. Electrical work may also require a separate electrical permit and inspection.
If you are planning to add a sink, toilet, or water line to your structure, budget for the permit process from the start.
West Quebec Shed Company Structures: What to Expect
West Quebec Shed Company builds prefabricated sheds, bunkies, gazebos, and cottages designed for the Ontario and Quebec climate. Our structures are built using traditional Amish craftsmanship, premium materials, and post-and-beam construction designed to withstand harsh winters.
Many of our most popular shed sizes fall comfortably within the permit-free threshold for Ontario. For bunkies and larger structures, we can walk you through what permits may be required in your area before you commit to a purchase.
We serve Ottawa, Gatineau, Almonte, Kanata, Manotick, Wakefield, and surrounding communities across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
Quick Reference: Permit Rules at a Glance
| Structure Type | Ontario Rule | Quebec Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Shed under 160 sq ft (storage only) | No permit required | Varies by municipality |
| Shed over 160 sq ft | Permit required | Permit typically required |
| Bunkie (sleeping use) | Permit likely required | Permit typically required |
| Any structure with plumbing | Permit required | Permit required |
| Gazebo | Check local bylaws | Check local bylaws |
This table is for general guidance only. Always verify with your local building department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a 10×12 shed in Ontario? A 10×12 shed is 120 square feet, which falls under Ontario’s 160 square foot permit-free threshold — as long as it is used for storage only and does not include plumbing. Local zoning bylaws still apply, so confirm setback requirements with your municipality.
Do I need a permit for a bunkie in Ontario? It depends on size and use. Structures under 160 square feet that are used purely for storage do not require a permit in Ontario. However, if a bunkie will be used for sleeping or has any living function, it is treated as a building under the Ontario Building Code and a permit is required. Check with your local municipality before purchasing.
Do I need a permit for a shed in Gatineau, Quebec? Gatineau typically requires a permit for permanent accessory structures, including sheds. The permit process is generally manageable for smaller structures. Contact the Ville de Gatineau’s urban planning department for current requirements.
What is the maximum shed size without a permit in Ontario? As of 2022, the Ontario Building Code allows sheds up to 160 square feet (approximately 15 square metres) to be built without a permit, provided the structure is used for storage only and does not contain plumbing or heating.
Can I put a shed near my property line without a permit? Even permit-free structures must comply with local zoning bylaws, which typically require setbacks of 2 to 3 feet from property lines. Your municipality sets these rules, so confirm before installing.
Ready to find the right structure for your property? Visit our sales yard in Alcove, Quebec or contact West Quebec Shed Company to discuss your project. We are happy to help you understand what applies to your lot before you make any decisions.
