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.<\/p>\n
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 The old limit was 108 square feet, and many homeowners and even some contractors are still working from outdated information.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.<\/p>\n
The key conditions for permit-free construction in Ontario are:<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Bunkies occupy a grey area. A small bunkie designed purely for occasional sleeping \u2014 with no plumbing and no permanent heating \u2014 may not require a permit in some municipalities, but this is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Even when no building permit is required, local zoning bylaws always apply. These govern:<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 we work across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec and can point you in the right direction.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For properties outside Gatineau \u2014 in the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, the Pontiac, or further into the Laurentians \u2014 rules differ by municipality. The best first step is always to call your local municipal office before purchasing.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If you are planning to add a sink, toilet, or water line to your structure, budget for the permit process from the start.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n We serve Ottawa, Gatineau, Almonte, Kanata, Manotick, Wakefield, and surrounding communities across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.<\/p>\n This table is for general guidance only. Always verify with your local building department.<\/em><\/p>\n Do I need a permit for a 10×12 shed in Ontario?<\/strong> A 10×12 shed is 120 square feet, which falls under Ontario’s 160 square foot permit-free threshold \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Cottage](\"https:\/\/westquebecshedcompany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Untitled-design-23-1024x576.png\")
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\nWhat About Bunkies?<\/h2>\n
\nSetbacks and Zoning Bylaws Still Apply<\/h2>\n
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![\"Bunkie](\"https:\/\/westquebecshedcompany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Untitled-design-28-1024x576.png\")
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\nQuebec: Check with Your Municipality<\/h2>\n
When Plumbing Changes Everything<\/h2>\n
\nWest Quebec Shed Company Structures: What to Expect<\/h2>\n
\nQuick Reference: Permit Rules at a Glance<\/h2>\n
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\n \nStructure Type<\/th>\n Ontario Rule<\/th>\n Quebec Rule<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Shed under 160 sq ft (storage only)<\/td>\n No permit required<\/td>\n Varies by municipality<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Shed over 160 sq ft<\/td>\n Permit required<\/td>\n Permit typically required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Bunkie (sleeping use)<\/td>\n Permit likely required<\/td>\n Permit typically required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Any structure with plumbing<\/td>\n Permit required<\/td>\n Permit required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Gazebo<\/td>\n Check local bylaws<\/td>\n Check local bylaws<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n ![\"Cottage](\"https:\/\/westquebecshedcompany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Untitled-design-40-1024x576.png\")
<\/h2>\n
\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
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