Outside Structures
SHED & GARAGE PERMITS
Where do I start?
Before applying for any building permits you must first know whether your proposed shed or garage is located properly on your lot by keeping a minimum distance between the proposed building and property lines in compliance with the Town's Zoning By-laws. You should also confirm that your proposal meets with other zoning and property uses requirements.
What else must I know?
In addition to zoning requirements, you should confirm compliance with other Applicable Law, see our Applicable Law Declaration for contact information to many of the approval authorities commonly involed in building proposals (our forms can be accessed by following 'Building Permit Forms Quick Links' at the bottom of the page). Although this is not a comprehensive list, an Applicable Law Declaration will be required to be submitted with your Application.
- Pay special attention if you are in an area regulated by either Conservation Authorities, Toronto Region or Lake Simcoe Region. This process takes additional time and money.
- If you are located in the older area of urban Stouffville, check to see if you are within the Heritage Site Plan Control Area This process takes additional time and money. Please contact the Planning Division to discuss your site plan control questions.
- If you are located outside of urban Stouffville you must find out exactly where your septic system is placed relative to your proposed pool. Pools must be at least 5 meters away from the septic bed and 1.5 meters away from the septic tank.
- You must also ensure that any regarding work does not negatively affect your neighbour's drainage.
- If you are within a newer subdivision that has not been fully assumed by the Town, you will need approval from your builder/developer in the form of a letter or e-mail.If you are instead within a condo development, you will need approval from your condo board by way of a letter or e-mail.
Can I do my own design and plans?
The Town does not recommend you do your own building designs unless you are very knowledgeable in the Ontario Building Code.
As a homeowner you are allowed to submit your own building designs instead of hiring a Qualified Designer, an Architect or an Engineer. Do-it-yourself home-owner designs often result in processing delays and added costs for multiple plan reviews. For a detailed list of plans and information needed to obtain a Building Permit, please refer to our Building Bylaw. For liability reasons, you should be aware that Town Staff will not provide design advice to anyone.
How much will it cost?
We charge per square foot measured from the outside walls of the structure. More charges apply for construction involving plumbing and septic systems.
Permit costs for a shed or garage are found starting at Schedule "G" in our Town Fees Bylaw, see our Fee Info page for the current fee by-law.
How do I get a permit?
If you already know that your proposed new building complies with the Town's Zoning Bylaws and other Applicable Laws, please review and complete the related Building Permit forms and bring them along with your design drawings and the set building fees to our Town Offices.
Please note that the Town does not approve or inspect electrical or gas services which are under the jurisdiction of the Electrical Safety Authority and your authorized Enbridge Gas contractor, respectively. Other fuel services such as oil and propane are approved and inspected by the Technical Standards Safety Authority.
How long will it take?
Garage and shed permit reviews take roughly 10 business days to process following the day after you submit your complete application.
On the tenth business day, or earlier, you may either receive a phone-call/e-mail saying that the Town can now approve your Building Permit, or that further information/correction is still needed.
How many inspections do I need?
The amount of inspections depends on the complexity of the work and will normally be assigned with the Building Permit.
Building Permit Forms Quick Links