Pitt Meadows permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages
Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?
Short answer
In Pitt Meadows you need a building permit for a deck, a carport, a detached garage, and any shed or accessory building larger than 10 m² (100 sq. ft.). No document says a smaller shed is exempt, and zoning limits still apply. Ask the Building Division if unsure.
Key facts
| Sheds | A building permit is needed for a shed or other accessory building larger than 10 m² (100 sq. ft.).Building and Renovating, When you need a permit?; A Guide to Building Permits, A Guide to Building Permits, p. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingBuilding a detached garage, accessory building, or shed larger than 100 sq. ft. Build any kind of structure larger than 10 m2 (100 ft2); |
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| Decks | The City lists building a deck among the projects that usually need a building permit. No height threshold is stated.Building and Renovating, When you need a permit?; How to Apply for a Building Permit, intro · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wording- Building an addition - Building a deck - Building a detached garage, accessory building, or shed larger than 100 sq. ft. Building permits are required before you build, demolish, repair or alter most buildings, decks, mezzanines |
| Garages and carports | Yes. A building permit is needed for a detached garage, and for building a garage or carport generally. Enclosing a carport to create a garage or living space also needs a permit.Building and Renovating, When you need a permit?; How to Apply for a Building Permit, intro; A Guide to Building Permits, A Guide to Building Permits, p. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingBuilding a detached garage, accessory building, or shed larger than 100 sq. ft. decks, mezzanines, retaining walls, garages, carports, secondary suites Enclose a carport to create a garage or living space; |
| Zoning limits | Accessory buildings: two per lot; 4 m high (9 m in A and RR zones); up to 46 sq m coverage (100 sq m in A and RR). Not closer to a front or exterior side lot line than the house setback. Detached ones of 10 sq m or more go in the rear yard, 1.2 m from rear and side lines (3 m from a road). Under 10 sq m and 2 m high in the rear yard: no setback. 2 m from other buildings.Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, section 4.13), s. 4.13 b), d), e), f), i) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingtwo per lot, unless otherwise specified in the zone. Accessory buildings and structures must not exceed a height of 4 m and must be sited not The lot coverage of an accessory building shall not exceed 46 sq m except in the A and RR Detached accessory buildings of 10 sq m or more must be located within the rear yard but no closer than 1.2 m from the rear and side lot lines, except 3 m from a lot line abutting There is no lot line setback requirement for an accessory building that is located in the rear less than the required setback for the principal building from a front or exterior side lot line The minimum horizontal clearance between all buildings on a lot is 2 m. |
| Bylaw | Building Bylaw No. 2131, 2003; Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 (s. 4.13, accessory buildings).Building Bylaw No. 2131, 2003 - Consolidated Version, title; Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, section 4.13), s. 4.13 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingBUILDING BYLAW NO. 2131, 2003 Accessory Residential and Accessory Farm Residential Buildings and Structures |
How it works
The City of Pitt Meadows lists a deck, a garage or carport, a detached garage, and enclosing a carport to make a garage or living space among the projects that need a building permit. A shed or other accessory building needs one if it is larger than 10 m² (100 sq. ft.). No document states in so many words that a smaller shed is exempt, and zoning rules apply either way. No height threshold is stated for decks. Zoning is separate: Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, section 4.13, controls size and placement.
Steps
- Look up your zone and setbacks on Meadows Mapview.
- Check the zoning limits below.
- Fill in the Building Permit Application Form and the Accessory Building Application Checklist.
- Email building@pittmeadows.ca or bring the package to City Hall.
- Book inspections through the Building Division.
Good to know
- Zoning (section 4.13): two accessory buildings per lot; up to 4 m high (9 m in the A and RR zones); up to 46 sq m of coverage (100 sq m in A and RR).
- An accessory building may not sit closer to a front or exterior side lot line than the house setback. Detached ones of 10 sq m or more go in the rear yard, 1.2 m from rear and side lot lines (3 m from a road), and 2 m from other buildings.
- A building under 10 sq m and 2 m high in the rear yard needs no setback from lot lines.
- A bylaw notice for an unlawful accessory building size or setback is $80 if paid within 14 days, $100 after.
- Shipping containers have their own City guide.
What you'll need
- Building Permit Application Form and the Accessory Building Application Checklist
- Site plan showing setbacks, and drawings
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Maple Ridge · Port Coquitlam · Coquitlam · Anmore · Port Moody · Belcarra
Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality →
Sources
- Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2439, 2009 (consolidated, PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
- Building and Renovating, City of Pitt Meadows (read 2026-11-05)
- Residential Permits, City of Pitt Meadows (read 2026-11-05)
- Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, section 4.13) (read 2026-11-05)
- A Guide to Building Permits, City of Pitt Meadows (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
- How to Apply for a Building Permit, City of Pitt Meadows (read 2026-11-05)
- Building Bylaw No. 2131, 2003 - Consolidated Version (PDF) (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. How answers are checked.