---
title: Burnaby permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages
question: "Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?"
place: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/burnaby
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Burnaby
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/deck-shed-garage-permit/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/deck-shed-garage-permit.json"
---

# Burnaby permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages

**Question:** Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?

**Short answer:** In Burnaby, a shed or other accessory building under 10 m² that creates no hazard does not need a building permit. Larger accessory buildings, garages, carports and decks generally do, and zoning rules still apply. Call the Building Department if unsure.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Burnaby, https://www.burnaby.ca)  
**Cost:** Based on the value of construction (see building-permit-fees). A garage or carport permit also carries a $5,634 damage deposit.  
**Where:**
- Online: My Permits Portal, https://mypermits.burnaby.ca/energov_prd/SelfService/
- Phone: Building Department, 604-294-7130
- Email: Building permits, permits@burnaby.ca

## Key facts

- **Sheds:** A shed or other accessory building under 10 m² that creates no hazard is exempt from the BC Building Code, and Burnaby's Building Bylaw does not apply to buildings the Code exempts, so no building permit is needed. Larger accessory buildings need one. Zoning rules still apply. Call the Building Department if unsure.
  - Source: [Home Improvement Permits, Home Improvement Permits page, "Additions" and "When do you need a permit?"](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/home-improvement-permits)
  - Official wording: "Any construction project that includes the excavation, erection, enlargement, alteration, removal, fire repair or demolition of any building or structure including accessory and temporary buildings requires a permit." … "whereas new accessory buildings or detached garages are classified as new buildings." … "If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, please contact the Building Department."
  - Source: [BC Building Code 2024, Province of BC, BC Building Code 2024, Division A, s. 1.1.1.1(2)(e)](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/construction-industry/building-codes-and-standards/revisions-and-mo/bcbc_2024_web_version_revision2.pdf)
  - Official wording: "accessory buildings less than 10 m2 in building area that do not create a hazard," … "This Code does not apply to the following:"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Decks:** No height threshold is stated. Building or enlarging a deck is treated as an addition and handled through an online building permit application; the general rule is that erecting or enlarging any structure needs a permit.
  - Source: [Home Improvement Permits, Home Improvement Permits page, "Additions"](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/home-improvement-permits)
  - Official wording: "This includes expansions to existing accessory building/structures such as garages, awnings, patio covers, fences, retaining walls, decks, and hot tubs." … "To proceed, applicants must submit a permit application online through the City's My Permits portal."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Garages and carports:** Yes. A new detached garage is a new building and an attached garage is an addition; both need a building permit, applied for online. A garage or carport permit carries a $5,634 damage deposit.
  - Source: [Home Improvement Permits, Home Improvement Permits page, "Additions"](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/home-improvement-permits)
  - Official wording: "Attached garages are also considered additions, whereas new accessory buildings or detached garages are classified as new buildings."
  - Source: [Burnaby Consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw 14485, Schedule E2, Schedule E2, s. 14(12)](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/14485CC.pdf)
  - Official wording: "o Construction of carport or garage $5,634.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Zoning limits:** R1 lots: accessory buildings max 4.0 m high and 1 storey; at least 1.5 m from the lane and interior rear lot lines, 1.2 m from interior side lot lines, 2.4 m from other buildings. They count toward lot coverage, capped at 30% to 55% depending on housing type and lot size; one detached structure under 5 m² is excluded.
  - Source: [Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026 consolidated, Part 3, R1 s. 1.1.5; Part 4 s. 1.1 and 1.2.2; Part 6 s. 1.6](https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2026-07/Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-Without-Schedules.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Accessory Buildings 4.0 m | 1 storey" … "Lane Yard 1.5 m" … "Interior Rear Yard principal: 3.0 m | accessory: 1.5 m" … "A minimum building separation of 2.4 m is required between detached accessory buildings and all" … "(l) up to one detached accessory structure less than 5 m2 in gross floor area." … "No accessory building or structure, excluding fences and retaining walls, shall be erected on any lot" … "Minimum Lot Line Setbacks for All Buildings" … "Maximum Lot Coverage 55% 40% 45%" … "Lots > 567 m2: 30%" … "Between All Other Buildings 2.4 m"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Burnaby Building Bylaw 2016 (No. 13658), Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026 (No. 14815) and the BC Building Code 2024 (Division A, s. 1.1.1.1).
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 2016, No. 13658 (consolidated PDF), title page](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/13658CC.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Burnaby Building Bylaw 2016 Bylaw No. 13658" … "This Bylaw does not apply to buildings or structures exempted by Part 1 of the Building"
  - Source: [Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026 consolidated, title page](https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2026-07/Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-Without-Schedules.pdf)
  - Official wording: "ZONING BYLAW BYLAW NO. 14815"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the [Building Bylaw](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/13658CC.pdf), the BC Building Code's exemptions carry through. The Code exempts accessory buildings under 10 m² that create no hazard, so a shed of that size needs no building permit. Larger accessory buildings need one.

- **Deck:** the City's pages state no height or size threshold. Building or enlarging a deck is treated as an addition, handled through an online building permit application.
- **Garage or carport:** a new detached garage is a new building and an attached garage is an addition. Both need a building permit, applied for online.

Zoning rules apply either way. In R1 under the [Zoning Bylaw 2026](https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2026-07/Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-Without-Schedules.pdf), accessory buildings are limited to 4.0 m high and 1 storey. They must be at least 1.5 m from the lane and interior rear lot lines, 1.2 m from interior side lot lines and 2.4 m from other buildings. They count toward lot coverage, capped at 30% to 55% depending on housing type and lot size; one detached structure under 5 m² is excluded. Other districts have their own rules.

## Steps

1. Check your lot's zoning and setbacks, and call the Building Department at 604-294-7130 if you are unsure a permit is needed.
2. Apply on My Permits Portal.
3. Pay the fees and, for a garage or carport, the damage deposit.
4. Book inspections once the permit is issued.

## Good to know

- Decks projecting no more than 1.2 m from the wall are excluded from lot coverage. A garage or carport attached to the house counts as part of the principal building.
- Side and street yard setbacks also apply; see the R1 table.
- A Development Permit may also be required for some projects.

## Official forms and pages

- [Home Improvement Permits](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/home-improvement-permits)
- [Building Permit and Inspection Fees 2026 (PDF)](https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2021-12/Building-Permit-and-Inspection-Fees.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Burnaby building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/building-permit.md)
- [Burnaby building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Burnaby fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/fence-rules.md)
- [Burnaby tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/tree-removal.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [New Westminster](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Richmond](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Belcarra](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)

## Sources

- [Home Improvement Permits, City of Burnaby](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/home-improvement-permits) (read 2026-11-05)
- [BC Building Code 2024 (PDF), Province of BC](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/construction-industry/building-codes-and-standards/revisions-and-mo/bcbc_2024_web_version_revision2.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Bylaw 2016, No. 13658 (consolidated PDF), City of Burnaby](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/13658CC.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Burnaby Consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw 14485 (PDF), Schedule E2](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/14485CC.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026 consolidated (PDF)](https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2026-07/Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-Without-Schedules.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [General Building Information, City of Burnaby](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/general-building-information) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Burnaby. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/deck-shed-garage-permit/_