Do You Need a Permit for a Shed in Ontario? (2026 Guide)

If you are planning to add a shed to your backyard, one of the first questions is usually simple: Do I need a permit?

In Ontario, the answer is often no for smaller sheds and yes for larger ones, but the details matter. For a typical residential property, a one-storey detached storage shed that is 15 square metres (161 square feet) or less generally does not need a building permit as long as it is ancillary to the main house and does not contain plumbing. Once the shed is 15 square metres or more, a permit is generally required. When you usually do not need a permit

In many Ontario municipalities, you can usually install a shed without a building permit when it is:

• 15 square metres (161 square feet) or smaller

• One storey

• Detached

• Used only for storage and accessory to the main dwelling

• Built with no plumbing 

For many homeowners, that means a smaller backyard storage shed can often be installed without going through the permit process. When you usually do need a permit

A building permit is generally required if your shed:

• Is 15 square metres (161 square feet) or more

• Is attached to another structure

• Includes plumbing

  • Is being used for something other than a simple detached storage shed, such as a workshop, cabana, garage, or other accessory structure that falls under different rules or review requirements So if you are looking at a 10x16 shed, you are already around 160 square feet, which puts you right on the edge. A 12x16, 10x20, or larger unit will usually need a permit. That size conversion is straightforward math, and the 15 m² threshold is the key number municipalities are using Permit rules are only part of the story Even if your shed does not require a building permit, you still need to follow your municipality’s zoning by-law, including rules about:

    Setbacks from property lines

    Distance from your house

    Distance from other structures

    Maximum lot coverage

    In some areas, special rules for height, easements, pools, or conservation zones

    That is where many homeowners get caught. A shed may be small enough to avoid a permit but still be placed in the wrong spot.
    

    Does a gravel base mean no permit is needed?

    No. The need for a permit is not decided only by the base.

    Whether your shed sits on gravel, patio stones, skids, or another base, the main questions are still:

    • How big is it?

    • Is it detached?

    • Is it one storey?

    • Does it have plumbing?

    • Does it meet local zoning and setbacks?

    A shed being movable or sitting on skids does not automatically exempt it from municipal rules. A few of the most common mistakes include:

    Assuming under 161 sq. ft. means you can place it anywhereYou may still need to meet local setbacks and zoning requirements. Checking only the Ontario rule and not the local municipality Ontario building rules work together with local zoning by-laws, and municipalities can have additional placement and design requirements. Best advice before buying a shed in Ontario

  • Before ordering a shed, it is smart to check three things with your local municipality:

    1. Do I need a building permit for this shed size?

    2. What are the setback requirements for my lot?

    3. Are there any zoning or lot coverage limits I should know about? 

    That quick check can save a lot of time and prevent expensive mistakes. Final answer For many residential properties in Ontario, a detached one-storey storage shed of 15 square metres (161 square feet) or less, with no plumbing, generally does not require a building permit. Once the shed is 15 square metres or more, a permit is generally required. No matter the size, you should still confirm local zoning and setback rules before moving ahead. Need help choosing the right shed size for your property? At Bloomington Sheds, we build solid pine sheds designed for Ontario weather and can help you choose a size that works for your space and your municipality’s requirements.