Detached Garages or Accessory Building
A Building Permit is required for all new garages or sheds over 107 square feet. Sheds under 107 square feet may require a permit if the shed is considered to cause a hazard.
Hazard: One area a shed is considered to cause a hazard is when the shed is installed between the house and the property line when the shed is located closer than four feet to the property line of an adjacent building.
What do you need?
When applying for a garage or shed permit, you will need to turn in:
- a Building Permit Application Form, Schedule “C” (cost estimate sheet)
- two copies of your Site Plan must be to scale (Real Property Report), payment (Permit Fee Schedule) and two sets of construction plans.
Site Plans will need to be scaled and show:
1. Dimensions from property lines and the location of the proposed buildings
2. The similarly dimensioned location of every adjacent existing building on the property
3. Existing and finished ground levels.
Construction Plans are required to be drawn on a scale of not less than 1:100 or legibly drawn showing the following:
1. Four elevations that show all windows and door locations, the building heights and title of each wall, ie. north, south, etc.
2. The floor plan, showing all windows and doors, locations and sizes.
3. Details for the construction of the foundation including base construction.
4. Material list showing the wall and roof construction.
5. Do not provide material list from lumber yard, and the construction detail books.
Note: If your side yard distance from building to property line is less than 1.2 meters no openings are permitted in the wall adjacent to the property line.
Contractor Information If you are having your garage or shed constructed by a contractor, your will need to provide the name of your contractor who willbe working on your project.
• Contractors must be licensed with the City of Airdrie.
• Contractors performing plumbing, gas and electrical work must hold a valid certificate to perform work. The above information will be required prior to permit issuance.
Do I need an inspection?
Yes, inspections are required for garage or permitted shed construction when the construction is completed or prior to the expiry of the permit.
Call 403-948-8833 or email inspection requests to inspection.requests@airdrie.ca.
Basic Requirements
1. Buildings over 107 square ft: A 3 ft 3 inch (1 meter) setback is required for a detached garage/shed, from property lines and buildings. Some exceptions do apply. Consult with the Planning and Development department for the maximum site coverage and setbacks (948-8848).
2. Building under 107 square ft: If these buildings are placed on a temporary foundation they may be located with no setback from the property lines or to other buildings on the same property unless the building is considered a
hazard in accordance with the Alberta Building Code.
3. The maximum height of a detached garage or shed cannot exceed 16 ft 5 inch (5m) or the height of the house, whichever is lower. This measurement is taken from the average of the two lot corners closest to the garage/shed.
4. The exterior finish of the garage/shed is to be compatible with the house.
5. The owner is responsible to ensure the garage/shed is not constructed over registered maintenance or utility-rights-of-way or gas lines.
6. Access driveways shall be constructed so moisture will accumulate at the centre the drain towards the street or lane.
7. The following types of garages require foundation walls and footings 4 ft (1.2 m) (minimum) below grade around the perimeter; or the design of the foundation must be signed and sealed by an engineer licensed to practice in the Province of Alberta:
• garages over 592 sq ft (55 sq m)
• two story garages
• garages made of masonry, masonry veneer or concrete
• attached garages (additional requirements are necessary when an attached garage is proposed).
8. Elevations less than 1.2m to property line require non-venting soffits and additional protection may be required based on the set back.
Required Elevation Sample Drawing (site plan, Real Property Report)
Electrical Information
1. Minimum installation must include one receptacle for each car position and an interior light controlled by a wall
switch.
2. The minimum circuit requirement is one dedicated 15 ampere 120 volt circuit for use in the garage. The minimum lighting and receptacle requirement is one receptacle for each car position, one interior luminaire and one exterior luminaire (for the man door) controlled by wall switches. See this document for detailed wiring information.
3. There are several acceptable methods for feeding garages with underground wiring. See this document for more information on underground wiring methods and circuit requirements.
4. Electrical branch circuit wiring to the garage may be in the same trench as a gas sub-service line (the gas line
from the house to the garage) provided the two systems are separated by 1 ft (300mm) of well tamped earth or separated by a 2X6 pressure treated plank.
Required Elevation Sample Drawing
Construction materials Sample Drawing
An excellent reference book is available titled “Electrical Code Simplified” by P.S. Knight and is available at book stores and many home improvement stores.
Please Call for Information
Building Permit Inquiries: 403-948-8832
Inspection Requests: 403-948-8833
City Inspectors:
Building/Heating Ventilation, Electrical, Gas & Plumbing: 403-948-8832
Fax: 403-948-8834
Email: building.inspections@airdrie.ca
Office Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Detached Garages or Accessory Building Brochure