Know what matters
What changes the answer.
Start with these conditions. The official reference is attached to each one.
Ottawa states that a one-storey detached storage shed up to 15 m², ancillary to the principal building and without plumbing, does not require a building permit.
Ottawa says accessory building types outside the listed storage-shed exemption can require a permit when the area is greater than 10 m².
Ottawa notes that permit-exempt projects still need to comply with applicable law such as the Zoning By-law. Development Information Officers can advise on setbacks, height and lot coverage.
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Fees and timing
Next steps
- Confirm the structure type, floor area, number of storeys and plumbing
- Check zoning setbacks, height and lot coverage
- Determine whether the 15 m² storage-shed exemption applies
- Prepare and submit the permit package if required
A few questions you might have.
Does a 15 m² Ottawa shed always avoid a permit?
Only when it fits the City’s qualifying one-storey detached storage-shed conditions. Other accessory-building categories can have different thresholds.
How long is the first review for a permit-required detached garage or shed?
Ottawa currently publishes an approximate first-review target of 5 business days for this project page, subject to the City’s current service conditions.
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