Garage, Shed & Accessory Structure Permit Drawings

Detached garages, sheds, and other accessory structures often need a building permit depending on their size and placement on your lot — a requirement homeowners frequently underestimate. U2E prepares the site plans, structural drawings, and permit documentation for accessory buildings across Ontario, so the project stays compliant from the start.

Which Accessory Structures Typically Need a Permit

Most municipalities exempt very small sheds from permit requirements, but the size threshold varies from one city to the next, and detached garages, workshops, and larger outbuildings generally do require a permit regardless of size. We confirm your specific municipality's threshold before assuming a structure is exempt.

Structures intended for anything beyond storage or vehicle parking — a workshop with electrical service, for example — often face additional scrutiny, since the intended use can affect which code requirements apply.

Placement, Setbacks & Lot Coverage

Where an accessory structure sits on the lot matters as much as its size. Municipal zoning bylaws typically set minimum setback distances from rear and side property lines, and may limit how close an accessory building can be to the main house or to other structures on the lot.

Accessory structures also count toward a property's total lot coverage in most municipalities, which can be a limiting factor on smaller urban lots. We check this during the site plan stage so placement doesn't become a problem after drawings are finalized.

Structural Drawings for Garages & Outbuildings

For a detached garage or larger accessory building, we prepare foundation plans, framing drawings, and exterior elevations sized to the structure's dimensions and intended use — whether that's vehicle storage, a workshop, or general storage space.

Our Process

We review your lot, confirm placement against zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits, and prepare the site and structural drawings for your building department. Once the application package is ready, we submit it and manage the file through to permit issuance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a shed?+
It depends on the shed's size — most municipalities exempt small sheds below a certain size from permit requirements, but the exact threshold varies by city. We check your specific municipality's rules before you build.
Does a detached garage always need a permit?+
In most municipalities, yes — detached garages generally require a permit regardless of size, given the structural and zoning considerations involved.
Can I use a detached garage as a workshop or living space?+
A garage used for storage or vehicle parking is treated differently than one converted to livable or work space with added electrical and finishing. If you're planning the latter, additional code requirements typically apply — let us know your intended use so we design accordingly.
How close to my property line can I build a garage or shed?+
Setback requirements vary by municipality and by which property line the structure faces. We confirm the applicable setbacks for your property as part of preparing the site plan.
Does a garage need footings like a house?+
Most detached garages require a proper foundation system sized to the structure and local frost depth, even though the requirements may differ somewhat from a full house foundation. We detail this on the structural drawings.
How long does a garage or shed permit typically take?+
Accessory structure permits are often processed on a shorter timeline than full home renovations, but this still depends on your municipality's current review volume. We provide a project-specific estimate after an initial review.

Talk to Us About Your Project

We’ll review your project and explain exactly what your municipality requires.