Accessory Structures

A building permit is required for any detached accessory structure that is:

• 10 metres squared (about 108 feet squared) in size or greater
• Attached to another structure regardless of size
• A structure occupying an area of 10 metres squared or less, that contains plumbing

Designer requirements

Drawings that are prepared by a qualified designer (as defined in the Ontario Building Code) must include:

• The qualified designer’s name
• The qualified designer’s registration number
• The qualification identification number of the qualified designer (Building Code Identification Number: BCIN)
• The qualified designer's signature
• The stamp or statement that the qualified designer has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities

Note: Property owners may prepare and submit drawings that follow the requirements outlined in the “drawing requirements” section below.

Drawing requirements

A PDF copy of the construction drawing must be provided.

All drawings are to be designed to a minimum scale of 1:75 or 3/16ths equals one foot. Drawings are to be fully dimensioned, signed and dated, and include information such as:

• A property survey or site plan – including the location of the proposed accessory structure and dimensions indicating the distance from accessory structure to adjacent property lines
• Lot grading plan approved by City of Vaughan Development Engineering Department
• Construction drawings. Depending on the scope of work, each drawing set may require the following information:
  • Foundation plan
  • Floor plan or framing plan
  • Building elevations indicating building height, length, roof overhang dimensions, window and door locations and sizes and exterior finishes
  • Wall sections and details
  • Roof plan including engineered truss drawings and layout (if applicable)
  • Engineered beam and floor joist layout and specifications (if applicable)

Additional requirements

• Commonly Used Applicable Laws & Building Permits (PDF)
• Building Permit Applicant Authorization Form (PDF)
• Schedule 1 Designer Information Form (PDF)
• Plumbing permit requirements
• Approval from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (if applicable)
• Approval from City of Vaughan’s Urban Design and Cultural Heritage division (if applicable)
• Any other documents that pertain to the project