BuildRules/Aurora/Shed / accessory structure

Aurora project guide

Do you need a permit for a shed in Aurora?

Check Aurora shed permit rules for the 15 m² detached accessory-building exemption, plumbing and zoning.

2 min readLast verified Oct 2, 2026
The short answerConditional

A detached accessory building 15 m² or less with no plumbing can be permit-exempt, but zoning still controls location, height and other conditions.

The simple exemption only answers the building-permit question. Aurora specifically warns that permit-exempt accessory buildings still need to comply with zoning.

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Aurora / Shed / accessory structure

A detached accessory building 15 m² or less with no plumbing can be permit-exempt, but zoning still controls location, height and other conditions.

Town of Aurora · BuildRules reviewed 2026-10-02

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Know what applies to your project.

Check the conditions below before you finalize the scope. Every answer connects to an official source.

Detached accessory buildingPermit not required at 15 m² or less with no plumbingConditional

Aurora lists a detached accessory building with an area of 15 m² or less and no plumbing as permit-exempt.

Source · Town of Aurora

Applications, Permits and Inspections · Permit exemptions for decks, accessory buildings and basement work

Verified Oct 2, 2026Open official source
PlumbingExemption does not applyConditional

The Town’s listed exemption is specifically for a detached accessory building containing no plumbing.

Source · Town of Aurora

Applications, Permits and Inspections · Permit exemptions for decks, accessory buildings and basement work

Verified Oct 2, 2026Open official source
ZoningStill appliesInfo

Aurora notes that location, height and other accessory-building conditions are regulated by the Zoning By-law.

Source · Town of Aurora

Applications, Permits and Inspections · Permit exemptions for decks, accessory buildings and basement work

Verified Oct 2, 2026Open official source

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Preparation checklist · Reviewed 2026-10-02

Plan ahead

Fees and timing

TimelineConfirm the current municipal review timeline after a complete application is accepted.
FeesConfirm the current Aurora fee schedule for the exact permit class before filing.

From reading to doing

Your next steps.

  1. Measure the building area
  2. Confirm there is no plumbing
  3. Check zoning location and height rules
  4. Apply if the simple exemption does not apply

Trace the evidence

Official sources behind this guide.

These are the source documents linked in the rules above. Check the municipal authority for current requirements before submitting a project.

  • Town of Aurora

    Applications, Permits and Inspections · Permit exemptions for decks, accessory buildings and basement work

    Source verified Oct 2, 2026

A little more clarity

Common questions.

Do you need a permit for a shed in Aurora?

A detached accessory building 15 m² or less with no plumbing can be permit-exempt, but zoning still controls location, height and other conditions.

What should I prepare for shed / accessory building in Aurora?

Start with Structure dimensions; Site plan or property sketch; Use and plumbing information; Permit drawings if the exemption does not apply. Confirm the final submission requirements with Aurora for the actual scope.

What should I do before starting this project in Aurora?

Measure the building area. Confirm there is no plumbing. Check zoning location and height rules. Apply if the simple exemption does not apply.

Know the zoning terms

The shed may be permit-exempt. The property rules still matter.

Placement, setbacks and lot coverage may still apply even where a shed is exempt from a building permit.

Setback

A setback is the required distance between a building or structure and a property line, street, another feature or another regulated reference point.

Lot coverage

Lot coverage is a zoning measurement describing how much of a lot is occupied by buildings or structures under the applicable municipal rules.

Zoning by-law

A municipal rule set that controls how land and buildings may be used and developed, including matters such as permitted uses, setbacks, height, lot coverage and other site-specific standards.

Same project, different city

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01 Permit and local-rule guidance02 Documents to prepare03 Questions still to verify
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A provider match is not guaranteed. Municipal approval stays with the City.

A provider match is not guaranteed. Municipal approval stays with the City.

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