BuildRules/Pickering/Shed / accessory structure

Pickering building permit guide

Does a garden storage shed require a permit in Pickering?

Understand Pickering's 15 m² garden storage shed exemption, plumbing and attachment triggers, and continuing zoning obligations.

2 min readLast verified Oct 13, 2026
The short answerConditional

Pickering generally lists garden storage sheds under 15 m² without plumbing as examples of work not requiring a building permit. Attached or plumbed structures still require a permit.

The City separates storage shed exemptions from other accessory structures. Its accessory zoning rules remain relevant regardless of permit status.

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Pickering / Shed / accessory structure

Pickering generally lists garden storage sheds under 15 m² without plumbing as examples of work not requiring a building permit. Attached or plumbed structures still require a permit.

City of Pickering · BuildRules reviewed 2026-10-13

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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.

Storage shedGarden storage shed under 15 m² may be exemptConditional

Pickering's non-permit examples include garden storage sheds under 15 m² without plumbing.

Source · City of Pickering

Building Permits · Deck height, accessory shed exemptions, permit application and municipal zoning

Verified Oct 13, 2026Open official source
Attached or plumbed accessory structureBuilding permit requiredConditional

Pickering explicitly requires a permit for an attached accessory structure or one with plumbing, regardless of size.

Source · City of Pickering

Building Permits · Deck height, accessory shed exemptions, permit application and municipal zoning

Verified Oct 13, 2026Open official source
ZoningAlways check permitted size, setbacks and locationInfo

Pickering's zoning guidance covers accessory structures even when a building permit is not required.

Source · City of Pickering

Accessory Buildings and Structures · Accessory structure size and lot/zoning caveats

Verified Oct 13, 2026Open official source

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Preparation checklist · Reviewed 2026-10-13

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Fees and timing

TimelineCheck Pickering's current review timeline once a complete application is submitted.
FeesConfirm the applicable Pickering building permit fee from the municipality's current fee schedule.

From reading to doing

Your next steps.

  1. Confirm storage-only use and plumbing
  2. Check if the shed touches another structure
  3. Review zoning, then confirm permit category with Pickering

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.

  • City of Pickering

    Building Permits · Deck height, accessory shed exemptions, permit application and municipal zoning

    Source verified Oct 13, 2026

  • City of Pickering

    Accessory Buildings and Structures · Accessory structure size and lot/zoning caveats

    Source verified Oct 13, 2026

A little more clarity

Common questions.

Does a shed without a permit avoid Pickering zoning restrictions?

No. The City says accessory structures still need to satisfy applicable zoning restrictions.

Does a garden storage shed require a permit in Pickering?

Pickering generally lists garden storage sheds under 15 m² without plumbing as examples of work not requiring a building permit. Attached or plumbed structures still require a permit.

What should I prepare for shed in Pickering?

Start with Shed dimensions, use and proposed services; Property/site layout with distances; Construction plans if a permit is needed. Confirm the final submission requirements with Pickering for the actual scope.

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.

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Do you need a building permit for a deck in Pickering?

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