Planning to build a custom shed in Manitoba or Saskatchewan? Before the first shovel hits the dirt, it’s important to know if you need a building permit. Overlooking the building permit process or ignoring zoning bylaws can stall your project fast.
Requirements differ from municipality to municipality, so always confirm the rules in your area before you buy. Below we cover the general Manitoba and Saskatchewan rules, then the specific process for the City of Winnipeg.
The Two Permits You Need: Development Vs. Building
To install a shed in the City of Winnipeg—even a pre-built shed—you need two different types of permits:
- A development permit (sometimes called a zoning and development permit)
- A building permit
Both of these permits accomplish different goals. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Zoning and Development Permits
Development permits grant permission to homeowners and business owners to develop a piece of land. Some of the things established by zoning and development permits include:
- What land you want to use
- How the land will be used
- The size and location of any buildings
- The size and location of exterior design elements
- Where property lines are, and that your building does not go too close to or over property lines
- And more
Your development application will be reviewed to ensure that your project complies with the City’s Zoning By-laws, as well as other applicable guidelines, regulations, and requirements. Once your development permit has been secured, you gain the right to use the land in the ways described by the development permit.
Building Permits
Where a development permit gives you permission to use a piece of land to build or install a new structure (like a storage shed), a building permit ensures that the structure complies with Winnipeg’s building codes, structural standards, and other standards.
You can only obtain a building permit once you’ve already obtained a development permit—you need a building permit to install a pre-built shed. To successfully obtain a building permit, you’ll need to submit application forms, site plans, building plans, and more to the City of Winnipeg.
Once you’ve obtained both your development permit and your building permit, you will have permission to install your pre-built shed on your property.
General Permit Requirements
Below is a breakdown of what to know before building an accessory structure:
Shed Size Regulations
In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, you need a building permit if your proposed accessory building is over 10 m². Building near property lines or a shed over one storey tall may also require approval.
Utility Connections
Electrical permits are required for sheds with electrical connections in Manitoba, even if it’s just a simple backyard shed or garden shed. All wiring must follow the Manitoba Electrical Code and pass inspection. Saskatchewan follows similar rules.
Intended Use
A storage shed under 10 m² may not need a permit, but a detached garage of more than one storey, or any structure near a single-family dwelling triggers building code checks. In development permit areas, a full application is always required.
Zoning And Shed Placement Considerations
Before you start any construction, talk to your local building department; in many cases, placement rules, permit needs, and inspection steps vary depending on the province and zoning.
Setback Requirements
Setbacks control how close your shed can sit to property lines, fences, or an existing building like a garage. You may need a real property report to prove placement. If you’re near utilities or adding a garage door, your construction project may trigger extra permit fees or require inspections.
Height And Size Restrictions
In Manitoba, most sheds can’t be over 4 metres (13 feet) in height. As for size, the total area of all accessory buildings on your lot can’t be more than 12.5% of your lot size, with a cap of around 880 sq. ft.
Steps To Obtain A Permit
Before you start construction, here’s what every property owner should do before starting a shed project:
Contact Local Authorities
Contact your local council or building department to check on zoning and land use. They will tell you if you need a permit for your shed.
Prepare Necessary Documentation
Most construction shed projects require a bare minimum site plan, a completed application, and details of the structure’s location and purpose. Some projects may require additional documents such as a letter of authority or letter of intent.
Submit Application And Fees
The last step is to submit your application and pay the fees. Costs depend on the size of the shed, the value of the build and the scope.
Applying In The City Of Winnipeg
You can visit your local zoning department or local city hall website in order to find zoning and development permits, as well as building permits.
There is a lot of information to fill out on both development permits and building permits. For a development permit, you’ll need to include:
- A list of all relevant parties (property owners, applicants, engineers, contractors, etc.)
- Checklists and documentation, including the status of title, landscape plans, civil drawings, etc.
- And more
For a building permit, you’ll need to include:
- General information about the work being done
- Site plans
- Building plans
- And more
The permitting process is not a simple one, but we can help. We have experience obtaining permits from the City of Winnipeg and other municipalities in the Prairies, so don’t let the daunting paperwork stop you from getting a beautiful new shed.
Related Permits
Once you’ve obtained your shed permit—both the development permit and the building permit—you might be ready to build your outdoor shed. Certain sheds we offer feature surface-mounted electrical, so you may need electrical installation permits to install them.
At Horizon Storage Sheds, we can help you secure any permits you may need to install your shed, whether you’re getting a simple storage shed or a fully decked-out workshop shed. Get in touch with us today; we’ll help you every step of the way!
Penalties For Non-Compliance
Building without a permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, or removal, especially if the shed is over utility rights of way or has unapproved plumbing fixtures.Horizon Storage Sheds handles the heavy lifting, so your custom-built sheds in Canada are compliant and built to last. Call us today, and let’s bring your dream shed to life.
