Lake Country permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages
Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage in Lake Country?
Short answer
In Lake Country a shed under 10 m² generally needs no building permit, and neither does a detached deck under 600 mm above the ground with no walls or roof. Larger sheds, higher or attached decks, and garages need a permit. Confirm carports with the Building Department.
Key facts
| Sheds | An accessory building with a floor area under 10 m² does not need a building permit (unless in an OCP development permit area or it could create a hazard). Larger sheds do.Building Regulation Bylaw 1070, 2018 (consolidated), s. 2.3(b); Building Permits, Building Permits page, FAQ · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingan accessory building with a floor area of less than 10m2; Except where located within a development permit area under the District’s Official Community Plan or could possibly create a hazard, this bylaw does not apply to An accessory building that is less than ten square meters (approximately 107 square feet) which does not create a hazard is exempt. |
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| Decks | A deck needs a permit unless it is less than 600 mm above the ground or finished grade, not attached to a building, and has no walls or roof (and is not in a development permit area or a hazard).Building Regulation Bylaw 1070, 2018 (consolidated), s. 2.3(h) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingdecks or patios which are less than 600mm from the ground or finished grade, which are not attached to a building and have no walls or roofs; |
| Garages and carports | A garage is an accessory building: the District has a permit checklist titled 'Accessory Building (Garage, Shed, Gazebo and Similar)'. Only accessory buildings under 10 m² are exempt (Bylaw 1070 s. 2.3(b)). Carports are not mentioned separately in the bylaw; confirm with the Building Department.Accessory Building Permit Application Submission Checklist · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingAccessory Building (Garage, Shed, Gazebo and Similar) Permit Application |
| Zoning limits | In residential zones an accessory building must be outside the required front yard and at least 1 m from the house. Coverage: 14%, or a maximum of 90 m² in Residential Urban zones. Side setback 1.0 m (0 m if under 2.0 m high and 10 m²). RU1 height 5.5 m (8 m or 2 storeys with a suite).Zoning Bylaw 561, 2007 (consolidated), s. 7.6.3; Zoning Bylaw 561, 2007 (consolidated), s. 15.1 (RU1) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingAccessory Buildings or structures are not permitted in a required front yard and shall be a minimum of 1 m from the principal residence. Lot coverage of accessory buildings or structures shall not exceed 14% or a maximum area of 90 m² for accessory buildings in the Residential Urban shall be located no less than 1.0 m from the side lot line, except that and is less than 10.0 m2 in area, it may be located within 0.0 m from the it is the lesser of 8m or 2 storeys for an accessory building containing an Accessory buildings and structures: The maximum height is 5.5 m, except |
| Bylaw | Building Regulation Bylaw 1070, 2018 (s. 2.3); Zoning Bylaw 561, 2007 (s. 7.6)Building Regulation Bylaw 1070, 2018 (consolidated), s. 2.3; Zoning Bylaw 561, 2007 (consolidated), s. 7.6 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingExcept where located within a development permit area under the District’s Official Community Plan or could possibly create a hazard, this bylaw does not apply to parcels being created may not meet the minimum area required for subdivision. 7.6. Accessory Development No person shall erect or permit to be erected a satellite dish, radio or television mast DISTRICT OF LAKE COUNTRY ZONING BYLAW 561, 2007 CONSOLIDATED VERSION |
How it works
In the District of Lake Country, Building Regulation Bylaw 1070 (s. 2.3) exempts an accessory building with a floor area under 10 m², and a deck that is less than 600 mm above the ground or finished grade, not attached to a building, and has no walls or roof. Neither exemption applies in an Official Community Plan development permit area or where the work could create a hazard.
A garage is an accessory building, and the District has a permit checklist for garages, sheds and gazebos. Carports are not mentioned separately in the bylaw; confirm with the Building Department.
Steps
- Check the size and height against the exemptions above.
- Check the zoning limits below, or call Planning at 250-766-6674.
- If a permit is needed, use the District's Accessory Building checklist and apply to the Building Department (see the building-permit answer).
Good to know
- Zoning rules apply even when no permit is needed. In residential zones an accessory building must be outside the required front yard and at least 1 m from the house.
- Under the Zoning Bylaw (s. 7.6.3), coverage is 14%, or a maximum of 90 m² in Residential Urban zones. The side setback is 1.0 m (0 m if under 2.0 m high and 10 m²). In RU1, height is 5.5 m (8 m or 2 storeys with a suite).
- Other limits vary by zone. In an urban or rural residential zone, an accessory building must also be at least 18.0 m from the front lot line unless it meets the side-yard rule and sits at least twice the required front setback back.
- An accessory building may not be used as a dwelling unless it is a permitted accessory suite.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Kelowna · Vernon · Coldstream · West Kelowna · Lumby · Peachland
Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality →
Sources
- Building Regulation Bylaw 1070, 2018 (consolidated) (PDF), District of Lake Country (read 2026-11-06)
- Zoning Bylaw 561, 2007 (consolidated) (PDF), District of Lake Country (read 2026-11-06)
- Accessory Building Permit Application Submission Checklist (PDF), District of Lake Country (read 2026-11-06)
- Building Permits, District of Lake Country (read 2026-11-06)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.