Quick Answer: You don't need a building permit for a shed in Toronto if it's under 15 m² (161 sq ft), single storey, detached from your house, used for storage only, and has no plumbing. Anything larger or more complex needs a permit — $214.79 flat fee — and qualifies for Toronto's Express Services (3-business-day review).
When You Need a Shed Permit
According to the City of Toronto, you need a building permit for a shed if any of these apply:
- The shed is 15 m² (161 sq ft) or more in gross floor area
- It's more than one storey
- It's attached to your house or another building
- It has plumbing
Important note for other accessory structures: The 15 m² threshold applies specifically to sheds. Other accessory structures (workshops, studios, etc.) require a permit if they're over 10 m² (107 sq ft).
When You're Exempt
No permit needed if all of these are true:
- Under 15 m² (161 sq ft)
- Single storey
- Detached (not connected to your house)
- Storage use only
- No plumbing
Even if exempt from a permit, zoning bylaws still apply. You need to respect property line setbacks and lot coverage limits.
Not sure? Check your permit requirements in under 2 minutes.
Shed Permit Fees (2026)
| Item | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Shed/accessory structure permit | $214.79 flat |
| Zoning Applicable Law Certificate (if required) | $214.79 |
Simple and flat — no per-square-metre calculations for sheds.
Payment: Credit card (Visa/MC/Amex up to $20,000) or EFT/wire transfer. No cheques or Interac e-Transfer.
Source: City of Toronto Building Permit Fees
How Long Does a Shed Permit Take?
Sheds qualify for Express Services — Toronto's fast-track review stream:
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Submit application online | Day 1 |
| Express review | Within 3 business days |
| Payment & permit issuance | ~1 business day after approval |
| Total | About 1–2 weeks |
How to Apply for a Shed Permit
Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance
Check that your planned shed location meets:
- Setback requirements from property lines (front, side, rear)
- Lot coverage limits — the shed adds to your total lot coverage
- Height restrictions for accessory structures in your zone
Step 2: Prepare Drawings
You'll need:
- Site plan showing shed location with dimensions and setbacks from all property lines
- Floor plan and elevations with dimensions
- Foundation/footing details
- Construction details (framing, roof structure)
Step 3: Submit Online
Shed permits go through Toronto's online Express Services portal. Include:
- Completed Application to Construct or Demolish (use the updated February 16, 2026 form)
- All drawings as PDFs
- Owner's Authorization form if someone else is applying for you
Step 4: Build and Inspect
After receiving your permit, build according to approved drawings. Schedule inspections as required — typically a foundation inspection and final inspection.
Want us to handle it? Start your shed permit application with PermitEasy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring zoning setbacks. Even permit-exempt sheds must follow zoning bylaws. You can't plop a shed right on the property line — there are minimum setback distances, and they vary by zone.
2. Going just over 15 m². Measure carefully. A shed that's 162 sq ft instead of 160 sq ft means you need a permit. When in doubt, build slightly smaller.
3. Adding electrical or plumbing. That "simple shed" with a utility sink now needs a plumbing permit. Adding electrical? That's an ESA permit (separate from the building permit). Plan these details before you build.
4. Putting the shed too close to the house. If it's attached or too close, it may trigger fire separation requirements or change its permit classification.
5. Exceeding lot coverage. Your shed, combined with your house, deck, garage, and any other structures, can't exceed your zone's maximum lot coverage. In some Toronto neighbourhoods, this is tighter than you'd think.
Building a Shed Without a Permit: What Are the Risks?
If your shed requires a permit and you skip it:
- 50% surcharge on top of the regular permit fee (minimum $214.79, max $29,456.99)
- Stop-work order halting construction
- You may have to remove or modify the shed to pass inspection
- Insurance complications if the shed causes damage
- Resale issues when the buyer's lawyer pulls a Property Information Report
- Provincial fines up to $50,000 under the Building Code Act
For a $214.79 permit, the math is obvious.
FAQ
What size shed can I build without a permit in Toronto?
Any shed under 15 m² (161 sq ft) that is single storey, detached, storage-only, and has no plumbing is exempt from a building permit. You still need to comply with zoning setbacks and lot coverage.
How much does a shed permit cost in Toronto?
$214.79 flat fee (2026). This is the same fee for all detached garages and accessory structures.
Can I put a shed in my front yard?
Zoning bylaws generally restrict accessory structures to rear yards. Check your specific zoning designation — front-yard sheds are usually not permitted.
Do I need a permit for a prefab shed?
The rules are the same whether you build from scratch or buy prefab. Under 15 m² with no plumbing and single storey? No permit. Over 15 m²? Permit required.
What about a shed with electricity?
Adding electrical wiring requires a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), not the City of Toronto. This is separate from any building permit requirement.
Ready to Get Your Shed Permit?
Check if you need a permit with our free tool, or let PermitEasy handle the application — we'll prepare and submit everything to the City on your behalf.
Related guides: Garage Permits · Deck Permits · Fence Permits
All fees current as of January 1, 2026. Source: City of Toronto — When Do I Need a Permit?