What are the shed bylaws in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, sheds are regulated by the City's Accessory Building Bylaw, with specific rules on size, placement, and when permits are required.

Shed Size and Permit Requirements

In Ottawa, you can build a shed up to 108 square feet (10 square meters) without a building permit, provided it meets all setback and height requirements. This typically means a shed roughly 9' x 12' or smaller. Any shed larger than 108 square feet requires a building permit from the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424).

The maximum height allowed for accessory buildings like sheds is 4.5 meters (about 15 feet) in most residential zones, though this can vary by specific zoning designation.

Setback Requirements

Your shed must be positioned according to Ottawa's setback rules:

• 3 meters (10 feet) from your rear property line


• 1.2 meters (4 feet) from side property lines


• 3 meters (10 feet) from your house or other principal building


• Cannot be placed in the front yard in most residential areas

These setbacks can vary depending on your specific zoning (R1, R2, R3, etc.), so it's worth checking your property's zoning designation on ottawa.ca or calling Building Code Services.

What to Watch For

Many Ottawa homeowners get caught off-guard by the total coverage rule - all accessory buildings combined (shed, garage, deck, etc.) cannot exceed 40% of your rear yard area in most zones. This becomes important if you already have a garage or large deck.

Also be aware that even permit-exempt sheds must still comply with the Ontario Building Code for structural requirements, and you're responsible for ensuring proper construction even without a permit.

Special Considerations

If your property is in a heritage district or has heritage designation, additional approvals may be required regardless of shed size. Areas like the Glebe, Sandy Hill, or New Edinburgh often have special requirements.

For sheds with electrical service, you'll need both a City building permit (if over 108 sq ft) AND an ESA electrical permit, which must be pulled by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Getting Approval

For permit-required sheds, expect to pay around $200-400 in permit fees and wait 10-15 business days for approval. You'll need to submit a site plan showing the shed location, dimensions, and setbacks from property lines.

Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or visit ottawa.ca/building to verify requirements for your specific property and zoning. The rules can vary between urban, suburban, and rural areas of Ottawa, and some neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, or rural areas may have additional considerations.