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Detached garages and sheds

Detached garages and sheds can be built to provide extra storage, protect vehicles or create a workspace on your property.

What to know about detached garages and sheds

Permits are required for all new garages and sheds over 10m² (107 sf). Sheds under 10m² may also require a permit if the shed is considered to cause a hazard.
New as of March 1, 2026: All truss specifications must include a seal and signature from an Alberta Registered Engineer.
Work must wait for permit approval and you must locate the utility lines before digging. View locate and line information.
If your garage will be used as a rental suite or separate home, you need to follow garage suite requirements.

View detached garage and shed checklist (pdf)

Who will complete the work?

Homeowner-led projects

Homeowners performing HVAC, electrical, plumbing or gas work on properties they own and occupy can request permits on behalf of themselves. Electrical, gas and plumbing cannot be completed by homeowners for any portion of a rental property.
Homeowner-led trade permits are also subject to an additional $100 fee per trade (electrical, plumbing and/or gas). Fee information is available in the User Fees and Charges Bylaw (pdf).

Hired contractors

Contractors must hold valid trade qualification certificates and have a City of Airdrie business licence. Property owners are responsible for ensuring contractors have valid licences and permits before work begins.
If you're hiring a contractor or company, research them carefully to protect yourself from renovation scams. Learn more about hiring a contractor in Alberta.

Permit requirements

The following must be included in your application (online documents must be submitted as flattened PDFs that allow editing and commenting, and each file must have a clear descriptive title).

Real Property Report and building plan

Real Property Report: Must indicate proposed garage or shed and setbacks from the property lines. Learn more about Real Property Reports.
Building plans that include these requirements:

Roof soffits: Non-vented soffits are required where the roof overhang projects within 1.2 meters (4’) of the property line. Soffits may not project closer than 450mm (18”) to the property line
Walls: Any walls closer than 1.2 meters (4’) to the property line are not permitted to have windows, doors or vent openings. Walls closer than 600mm (2’) must have a minimum 45 minute fire resistance rating applied to the inside face of the garage wall.
Height: Garage/shed height from ground to peak must not be taller than 5m (16’ 5”) or the height of the principal dwelling, whichever is smaller.
Wood materials: Any wood elements within 150mm (6”) of the ground must be pressure treated or protected by 6mil poly.

Electrical requirements

If your garage or shed requires electricity, you will need to follow electrical code requirements for installation.

View electrical requirements for detached garages (pdf).

Permit applications and inspections

Permit applications

Before you apply, required documents should be prepared, including a Real Property Report and building plan. Incomplete applications may delay approvals.

Permit application can be submitted online through myAIRDRIE. Do not begin any work until your permit has been approved and issued. Starting work prior may result in permit fees being doubled.

Apply for your permit

Inspections

Work done under a permit in Airdrie requires a City inspection, which can be booked through your myAIRDRIE account.

How to book an inspection

Detached garages and sheds

Detached garages and sheds

What to know about detached garages and sheds

Who will complete the work?

Homeowner-led projects

Hired contractors

Permit requirements

Real Property Report and building plan

Electrical requirements

Permit applications and inspections

Permit applications

Inspections

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