Install a shed or outbuilding

Last updated March 18, 2024

Would you like to have a shed or other outbuilding on your property? To install this type of accessory building, there are rules you must follow, and you may need a permit. Find out what you need to do in your borough.

Sheds and other outbuildings must be installed in a way that does not compromise property safety. 

Contact your borough before purchasing or installing a shed or other outbuildings.

My borough

Shows borough content for
Find a borough to filter the list of search content.

No borough selected.

A shed, pergola or gazebo can be considered as outbuildings. This type of accessory building is useful or necessary for the use of the main building or parcel on which it is located.

After installation of the outbuilding, at least 20 per cent of the land must be covered by vegetation planted in open ground.

Rules to follow

  • Compliance with the maximum authorized site coverage rate (i.e. the ratio of the site coverage of the building and its outbuildings to the parcel area) is required
  • In some zones, outbuildings may be prohibited or their maximum size limited
  • An outbuilding cannot be erected in a front yard

If your outbuilding meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Maximum area of 15 m2
  • Maximum height of 4 m
  • Installed behind your home at least 3 m from the back wall or fence

or

  • Installed on  the side of your home at least 1.5 m from your house and all property lines

The latter case includes, e.g. a building located on a corner lot, which has yards facing public roads.

You need a permit:

  • If the area of your outbuilding is greater than 15m2

Contact the permit counter to verify the rules applicable to your situation.

Permit fees

Processing fees for permit applications vary based on the projected cost of the work. You will be required to pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the amount of work, you will be required to pay a minimum:

  • $161 for a strictly residential building
  • $473 for a commercial, industrial, institutional or mixed-use building

The projected costs must include all fees associated with the work (ex: plans, labour, equipment), taxes included.

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has historic value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

Fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • Certificate of location
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s)
  • Construction plan:
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, a general construction plan
  • Landscape development plan showing that 20% of green space will be maintained
  • Estimated cost of work

Communication channels

Make an appointment with the permit counter

514-872-3020

555 Rue Chabanel Ouest
Suite 600
Montréal, QC H2N 2H8

Legislation

A permit is not required to install a shed or an outbuilding (e.g., a gazebo). However, you must follow these rules: 

Shed:

  • Only one shed per lot 
  • It must be located at least 3 m from any door or window of your home 
  • A maximum area of 15 m2 
  • Neither length nor width can exceed 5 m
  • A maximum height of 3 m for a flat roof and 3.10 m for other types of roofs
  • A shed must be located at least 0.6 m from the property line
  • It must be located behind the residence

The shed must be located on the side of your home, beyond the side setback indicated in the specifications table (contact the permit office for more information).

Outbuilding:

  • Only one outbuilding is allowed per lot
  • Maximum surface area is 15 m² 
  • Maximum height is 3 m
  • Elle ne peut être fermée que sur une hauteur de 1 m, calculée à partir du sol
  • installé à l’arrière de la résidence, à au moins à 1,3 m des limites de votre terrain.

Material

Metal sheds must be industrially manufactured.

Plant cover

For detached dwellings, at least 35 per cent of the lot must have a plant cover, and at least 20 per cent for semi-detached dwellings.

Communication channels

Permit counter – Anjou

514-493-8086

Point of service

By appointment
7171 Rue Bombardier
Second floor
Montréal, QC H1J 2E9

Legislation

If your outbuilding meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Prefabricated
  • Maximum area of 15 m2
  • Maximum height of 4 m
  • Installed behind your home at least 1 m from your house

You need a permit:

  • If the area of your outbuilding is greater than 15 m2

Permit fees

Taxes are included. Fees are non-refundable.

Processing fees for permit applications vary based on the projected cost of the work. You will be required to pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the amount of work, you will be required to pay a minimum: $250 for an area of 15,01 m2 to 25 m2.

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring three copies of the following documents: 

  • Certificate of location
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s)
  • Construction plan: 
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, a general construction plan
  • Power of attorney, if you are not the owner

Communication channels

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Make an appointment with the permit counter

Point of service

By appointment
5160 Boulevard Décarie
Montréal, QC H3X 2H9

Legislation

If your shed meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Maximum area of 15 m2 in a backyard or area of 6.5 m2 in a yard on the side of a house
  • Maximum height of 3.3 m
  • Installed behind or on the side of your home
  • At least 15 m from the house
  • At least 60 cm from the property line and 1.5 m from the street

You can install two sheds with a maximum area of 15m2 each.

You need a permit:

  • If the area of your outbuilding is greater than 15m2

Fees (taxes included)
 

$9.80 per $1,000 of work

Regardless of the amount of work, you will be required to pay a minimum: $250

 

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring two copies of the following documents with you:

  • Certificate of location
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s)
  • Construction plan:
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, a general construction plan

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

1800 Boulevard Saint-Joseph
Montréal, QC H8S 2N4

Legislation

Permit required

A certificate of authorization is required to install a shed or other outbuilding. 

Only one outbuilding of each type is allowed per home. For example, you can only have one shed and one garden pavilion on your property.

Materials

Materials must be specifically designated for exterior siding and be complementary with the house.

Permanent vehicle shelters

Permanent vehicle shelters such as carports can be located in the back or to the side of the building. The following standards apply:

Minimum distances

  • Between the end of the roof and any property line: 45 cm
  • Between building and rear boundary: 75 cm
  • Between building and side limits: 1 m

Area

  • Maximum surface area: 40 m² (430 ft²)

Height

  • Maximum height: 4 m to roof peak
  • The carport may not exceed one storey.

A carport must be used only to store personal-use vehicles and everyday items and equipment.

Fees (taxes included)

Types of outbuildings

Amounts

Outbuilding with an area less than 15 m2

$25

Outbuilding with an area between 15 and 25 m2 serving a residential building

$9.80 per $1,000 of work, minimum cost: $250

For any other outbuilding

$9.80 per $1,000 of work, minimum cost: $498

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring the following documents with you:

  • Certificate of location
  • Description and dimensions of the outbuilding
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

By appointment
55 Avenue Dupras
Montréal, QC H8R 4A8

Legislation

If your shed meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Prefabricated
  • Maximum area of 15 m2
  • Maximum height of 4 m
  • Installed behind your home or on its side at least 1.5 m from your house ans all proprety lines.

You need a permit:

  • For outbuildings whose area is greater than 15 m2 
    or

  • If the total area of all outbuildings on your property is greater than 25 m2.

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring two copies of the following documents with you:

  • Certificate of location or scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s)
  • Construction plan: 
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, a general construction plan

Documents can be submitted electronically.

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

201 Avenue Laurier Est
Fifth floor
Montréal, QC H2T 3E6

Legislation

An outbuilding, also known as an accessory building, is a building, shelter or shed whose use is secondary, necessary or useful to the operation of the main building or the land on which it is located.

In a residential zone, you may use an outbuilding as a garage or shed, but you may not live, do business or manufacture goods in it.

Permits

You’ll need a permit if you plan to build an outbuilding larger than 15 square meters.

Fees

Taxes are included. Fees are non-refundable.

Processing fees for permit applications vary based on the projected cost of the work. You will be required to pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Applicable standards

Whether or not you need a permit, you must comply with the zoning and building codes, especially the greening percentage.

Maximum height

The maximum height of an outbuilding in a residential sector is 4 metres. In other sectors, you
must comply with the limits indicated on the zoning map.
View the interactive map (in French)

Location

With a few exceptions, outbuildings located in a front yard are prohibited.

Even if placement on the property line is authorized, drainage (including snow) must be on the owner’s property.

If one or more walls of the outbuilding are located less than 60 centimetres (2 feet) from the property line, they must be able to withstand fire for 45 minutes. This can be achieved by installing 16-millimetre (5/8-inch) Type X gypsum board inside the outbuilding. However, noncombustible exterior cladding is not mandatory.

Prohibited siding materials 

  • Plastic film, except for a greenhouse; tarred, mineralized or vinyl paper
  • Particleboard, a material not designed for exterior use or unfinished in appearance
  • Glass, mirrors or any other material with an exterior daylight reflection rate greater than 20%, on more than 5% of the surface of a facade including openings
  • Asphalt shingles, except for a crown and a roof
  • Nailed brick or panel brick
  • Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) cladding, except for a greenhouse
  • Concrete brick
  • Hollow concrete block, except for an invisible party wall
  • Vinyl, metal or composite wood cladding
  • Panels or elements made of plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), extruded polyurethane or vinyl
  • Any masonry less than 80 mm thick, except for parging or an acrylic coating.

The special case of greenhouses

Wall and roof surfaces

At least 80% of the walls and roof of a greenhouse in which plants are grown must be made of translucent or transparent material.

Authorized materials for greenhouses

  • Double or triple polyethylene that is at least 6 millimetres thick
  • Tempered glass
  • Single polycarbonate at least 1 millimetre thick, or double polycarbonate (also known as ribbed, corrugated, twin wall, double wall, beehive or honeycomb polycarbonate) at least 6 millimetres thick.

Document

Required documents

To file your application, you must provide the following documents:

  • Certificate of location prepared by a land surveyor
  • Site plan drawn to scale showing the landscaping, location and dimensions of the
    outbuilding (please see exemple above)
  • Building plan that includes the materials to be used: 
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, please provide the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, please provide a general construction plan
  • Cost estimate and work description or bid

Learn more

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call 311 to make an appointment with the permit counter.

Legislation

If your shed meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Prefabricated
  • Maximum of:
    • 3.7 m if your property’s area is less than 2,787 m
    • 6 m  if your property’s area is greater than 2,787 m
  • Installed behind or on the side of your home 2 m away from any other building

You need a permit:

  • for other types of outbuildings

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring two copies of the following documents with you:

  • Certificate of location
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s)
  • Construction plan: 
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, a general construction plan

Communication channels

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For information

Point of service

15795, boulevard Gouin Ouest
(on the 2nd floor, rear door of the citizen reception and public safety office)
Montréal, QC H9H 1C5

Legislation

If your shed meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Maximum area of 15 m2
  • Maximum height of 4 m
  • Installed behind your home

You need a pemit:

  • If the area of your outbuilding is greater than 15m2

    or

  • If the total area of all outbuildings on your property is greater than 15m

Specificities

Specific standards apply to homes in the Faubourg Contrecoeur area. Visit your permit counter to find out more about them; no appointment is necessary.

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring two copies of the following documents with you:

  • Certificate of location
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s)
  • Construction plan: 
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, a general construction plan

Communication channels

Make an appointment with the permit counter

514-872-6099

Point of service

By appointment
6854 Rue Sherbrooke Est
Montréal, QC H1N 1E1

By appointment only

Legislation

Permit required

A certificate of authorization is required to install a shed or other outbuilding.

Fees (taxes included)

$10.50 per $1,000 of work

Regardless of the amount of work, you will be required to pay a minimum: $70.50

Required documents

When you go to pick up your construction permit, bring three copies of the following documents:

  • Certificate of location
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s
  • Technical sheet and installation estimates
  • Estimated cost of work

Apply

4241 Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville
Montréal, QC H1H 1S4

Permit counter

Legislation

Permit required

A construction permit is needed to install sheds and other outbuildings.

The total area of all outbuildings must not exceed 60 per cent of the area of the main building, or 100 m2.

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring two copies of the following documents: 

  • Property title
  • Location certificate
  • Implementation plan at a minimum scale of  1;200 that shows the projected location of outbuilding(s)  
  • Construction plan at a minimum scale of 1:100
  • Photos of the existing situation
  • If applicable, an architectural implementation and integration plan

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

1431 Avenue Van Horne, 2nd floor
Montréal, QC H2V 1K9

If your outbuilding meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Maximum area of 14 m2
  • Maximum height of 4 m
  • Installed at least 2 m from the residence and 0.5 m from the property line, in a side or back yard.

You need a permit:

  • For an outbuilding that is larger than 14 m2, if the lot area is 1000 m2 or more.

Fees (taxes included)

$9.80 for every $1,000 of work

Regardless of the amount of work, you will be required to pay a minimum: $250

Required documents

Contact your permit counter

Communication channels

Point of service

13665 Boulevard de Pierrefonds
Montréal, QC H9A 2Z4

It is recommended to make an appointment

Legislation

If your outbuilding meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Maximum area of 15 m2
  • Maximum height of 4 m
  • Installed behind your home or on the side of your home at least 0.6 m from all property lines.

You need a permit:

  • For outbuilding(s) with an area greater than 15 m2

Corner lot

If your property is located at an intersection, special standards apply. Contact the borough permit counter.

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring two copies of the following documents with you:

  • Certificate of location 
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s)
  • Construction plan: 
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, a general construction plan

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

12090 Rue Notre-Dame Est
Montréal, QC H1B 2Z1

Legislation

If your outbuilding meets all the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Maximum area of 15 m2
  • Maximum height of 4 m
  • Installed behind or on the side of your home

You need a permit:

  • For outbuildings whose area is greater than 15 m2

    or

  • If the total area of all outbuildings on your property is greater than 25 m2

Trees

The installation of an accessory building must not involve the felling a tree.

Materials

Materials that are not designated for exterior siding are prohibited.

Fees (taxes included)

$9.80 per $1,000 of work

Regardless of the amount of work, you will be required to pay a minimum:
- $250 for a residential outbuilding between 15.01 m² and 25 m²,
- $498 for a residential outbuilding larger than 25m².

Document

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring two copies of the following documents with you:

  • Certificate of location
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s)
  • Construction plan: 
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, a general construction plan

Communication channels

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Point of service

5650 Rue D'Iberville
Second floor
Montréal, QC H2G 2B3

Legislation

If your shed meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Maximum area of 12 m2
  • Maximum height of 3 m
  • Installed behind your home at least 0.75 m from your house and all property lines

You can only install one shed.
To install a shed on the side of your house, contact your permit counter.

You need a permit:

  • For all other types of outbuildings other than sheds.

Materials

The exterior siding of the shed must be complementary to the house.

Communication channels

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Point of service

777, boulevard Marcel-Laurin
Saint-Laurent, QC H4M 2M7

Legislation

Permit required

A certificate of authorization is required to install a shed or other outbuilding, no matter its dimensions..

You can only install one shed per lot.

Rules to follow

For the installation of a shed or an outbuilding, you must follow these rules: 

  • A maximum area of 15 m2 
  • Neither length nor width can exceed 4.6 m
  • A maximum height of 3.05 m
  • A shed must be located at least 0.45 m from the property line

Fees (taxes included)

$125

Communication channels

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Point of service

8400 Boulevard Lacordaire
Montréal, QC H1R 3B1

A permit is not required if the following criteria are met:

  • The shed covers an area no larger than 15 m2.
  • The shed is no higher than 4 m.
  • The shed is installed at the back of the house or building.
  • All the accessory buildings on the property cover a total area no larger than 50 m2.

A permit is required

  • If the area of your outbuilding is greater than 15 m2

Contact the permit counter to verify the rules applicable to your situation.

Materials 

The following exterior siding materials are authorized:

  • Any material designed to serve as exterior siding, except polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
  • Wood, on the condition that it is painted, stained or torrefied, except cedar, which can remain natural

Fees

Taxes are included.

  • Minimum of $250, regardless of the amount of work, for a residential accessory building covering an area between 15.01 m2 and 25 m2
  • $9.80 per $1,000 of work

Required documents

  • Certificate of location
  • Detailed description of the work and the materials
  • Estimated cost of the work
  • Layout plan to scale

 

Our team may ask you to provide other documents that it deems relevant.

Learn more

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Point of service

4555 Rue de Verdun
Suite 109
Montréal, QC H4G 1M4

Legislation

If your shed meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Maximum area of 15 m2
  • Maximum height of 4 m
  • Installed behind of your home
  • Installed on the side of your home at least 1,5 m from the house and 5 m from the street

You need a permit:

  • For outbuildings whose area is greater than 15 m2 

Materials

Materials must be specifically designated for exterior siding.

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring two copies of the following documents with you:

  • Certificate of location
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s)
  • Construction plan: 
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, a general construction plan

Communication channels

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Point of service

800 Boulevard De Maisonneuve Est
ground floor
Montréal, QC H2L 4L8

Legislation

If your outbuilding meets the following criteria, you do not need a permit:

  • Maximum area of 15 m2
  • Maximum height of 4 m
  • Installed behind of your home
  • Installed on the side of your home at least 5 m from the street

You need a permit:

  • For outbuildings whose area is greater than 15 m2 

or

  •  If the total area of all outbuildings on your property is greater than 25 m2

Materials

  • Contact your permit counter to find out more about approved materials

Fees (taxes included)

$9.80 by $1,000 of work

Regardless of the amount of work, you will be required to pay a minimum: $250

Required documents

When you apply for your permit, bring two copies of the following documents with you:

  • Certificate of location
  • Scale implementation plan that shows the projected location of the outbuilding(s)
  • Construction plan: 
    • If the outbuilding is prefabricated, the manufacturer’s description
    • If the outbuilding will be built, a general construction plan

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

405 Avenue Ogilvy
Suite 111
Montréal, QC H3N 1M3

Legislation