Install a shed or outbuilding
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.
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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
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
Point of service
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.
If your project is subject to a site planning and architectural integration program, there will be additional fees and further timelines.
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
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
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
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.
Sheds and outbuildings
Minimum distances
- Between the end of the roof and any property line: 30 cm
- Between building and rear boundary: 61 cm
- Between building and side limits: 2 m
Area
- Maximum surface area: 10 m² (108 ft²)
Height
- Maximum height: 3 m to roof peak
- May not exceed one storey.
Permanent vehicle shelters
A carport must be used only to store personal-use vehicles and everyday items and equipment.
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.
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
Appointment
To schedule a phone or in-person meeting with someone from the Direction de l’aménagement urbain et des services aux entreprises team, reserve your time now online.
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.
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
orIf 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
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
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
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
(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
Point of service
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
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
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
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
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: |
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Suite 111
Montréal, QC H3N 1M3
Legislation
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