Qualicum Beach permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages

Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage in Qualicum Beach?

Qualicum Beach, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

How it works

Qualicum Beach requires a building permit under the Building Bylaw No. 903, 2024 for these:

• Deck: a permit is needed to build or remodel a deck. The bylaw does not apply to uncovered decks not more than 0.5 m above finished grade with no walls or roof. The Town has a Guide for Building a Deck.
• Shed: a permit is needed for a new accessory building greater than 10 m². The Town's FAQ does not list sheds of 10 m² or less as needing one.
• Garage or carport: a permit is needed for any new building or structure, and to enclose a carport or change a garage to living space. The Town gives no size threshold for garages and carports.

Zoning also applies, even where no building permit is needed. In the R1 and R2 zones under the Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024: accessory buildings total up to 75 m², height 4.5 m, parcel coverage 55%. An accessory building of 10 m² or less and 3 m or less in height may sit at 0 m from rear and interior side lot lines; other accessory buildings are 4.0 m from an exterior side lot line. In rural zones A1 to A3: up to 200 m², parcel coverage 20%, 7.5 m from other lot lines. Other zones differ.

Steps

1. Find your zone and check the limits above (see zoning-lookup).
2. If a permit is needed, follow the steps in building-permit.
3. If you are unsure whether your shed, deck or garage needs one, call Building Inspection before you build.

Good to know

• Work cannot start until the permit is issued.
• A fence is a separate question; see fence-rules.