Accessory Buildings

Sheds, Gazebos, Playhouses, Greenhouses or Workshops

Planning to construct an accessory building on your residential property? Before you make any decisions or plans, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the City's development regulations. Accessory buildings - including sheds, gazebos, playhouses, greenhouses, workshops, and hot tub enclosures, must be located on your private property and comply with the requirements of Land Use Bylaw 18/2024 and Alberta Building Code.

IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?

A development permit and building permit will be required for any accessory building 10 m2 (107 sq ft) or greater in size.

WHERE CAN THEY BE LOCATED?

All accessory buildings, regardless of their size, must meet the setback and placement requirements outlined in the Land Use Bylaw.

Accessory buildings are not allowed in a front yard and must be located in the side or rear yard only.
When placed in the rear yard, an accessory building needs to be at least 1.0 m from both the side and rear property lines.
When located in a side yard, the accessory building must be at least 1.2 m from the side property line.
The maximum height for an accessory building cannot exceed 3.7 m.
Accessory buildings should be freestanding and maintain a separation of 1.5 m or more from the house, a garage, or any other accessory building on the property.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

All residential lots have a maximum allowable lot coverage amount (%). This maximum lot coverage varies based on the applicable land use district and housing form. An accessory building will affect your lot coverage amount.

An accessory building attached to or abutting the principal dwelling, garage, or secondary suite is considered part of that building and must meet the associated Land Use Bylaw requirements.

Accessory buildings, including the roof eaves, must not be built over any utility right-of-way.

The exterior finishes of an accessory development shall match or complement the exterior finishing of the principal building.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

For more information about accessory buildings – including sheds, gazebos, playhouses, greenhouses, and workshops, please refer to the Land Use Bylaw.

Application Checklist

To receive a timely decision on your application, please ensure that your application is clear, legible and accurate. If any part of your application is missing, unreadable or inaccurate, your application will be deemed incomplete, and a decision will not be rendered.

Your application must include

Download and Complete the:
Building / Development Permit Application Form
Payment of required fees as per Master Rates Bylaw
Two (2) copies of a site plan in metric (minimum scale 1:100) showing:
1. Easements
2. Utility rights-of-way
3. Foundation outline of the dwelling and the proposed accessory building shown, including distances from all buildings and property lines;
4. Dimensions of the accessory building.
Two (2) copies of elevation drawings (minimum scale 1:100) showing:
1. the exterior of the proposed accessory building, including window & door placement, and finishing materials; and
2. dimensioned building height from grade on all elevations.

Each site plan or elevation plan should include the address, legal description, and contact information.

The development authority may require additional material necessary to properly evaluate the proposed development. In most cases, an application is deemed complete if the material outlined is provided.