View Royal permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages
Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?
In the Town of View Royal, new accessory buildings (sheds, detached garages, carports), decks, docks and stairs need a building permit. The Town states no size exemption for sheds, and the Building Bylaw does not apply to platforms less than 0.6 m above grade. Check with Building Services (250-708-2256).
Key facts
| Sheds | The Town lists new accessory buildings, such as a detached storage shed, as needing a building permit (Accessory Structure application). No size exemption is stated; the Town advises confirming with Building Services if unsure.Building & Plumbing Permits, Building Permits page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingConstruction of new buildings or structures, accessory buildings, building additions; For construction of accessory building/structure such as a detached storage shed, garage, pergola, carport, studio, etc. It is recommended to confirm with the Town if a permit is required before completing an application form or undertaking work without a permit. |
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| Decks | Adding, expanding, repairing or replacing a deck, dock or stairs needs a building permit (Deck, Dock & Stairs application). The Building Bylaw does not apply to platforms less than 0.6 m above grade.Building & Plumbing Permits, Building Permits page; Building Bylaw 1111, 2023, s. 4.3 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingAdding, expanding, repairing or replacing a deck, dock, stairs, pool, pergola, etc; For construction of a deck, dock, or stairs. platforms less than 0.6 metres above grade; |
| Garages and carports | A detached garage or carport needs a building permit (Accessory Structure application). Converting a porch, carport or garage to living space or a home business also needs a permit.Building & Plumbing Permits, Building Permits page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingFor construction of accessory building/structure such as a detached storage shed, garage, pergola, carport, studio, etc. converting porches, carports or garages to living space, or a home business, etc; |
| Zoning limits | Accessory buildings: no more than 7.5 m long or wide; at least 1.2 m from all lot lines; not in the front or flanking yard; at least 2.4 m from the house (except an attached garage or carport); total coverage no more than 60 m² or 10% of the lot, whichever is smaller; height no more than 4.5 m. One attached to the house counts as part of it.Zoning Bylaw 900, consolidated to June 2026 (PDF, section 4.6), ss. 4.6.2-4.6.8 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingnot have a length or width greater than 7.5m; be setback a minimum of 1.2m from all lot lines; and not be located within the front yard or flanking yard. An accessory building must be separated from the principal building by at least must not exceed 60m2 or 10% of the lot area, whichever is smaller. the height of an accessory structure or building must not exceed 4.5m. it is considered a part of the principal building |
| Bylaw | Building Bylaw No. 1111, 2023 (permits); Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, s. 4.6 (accessory buildings)Building Bylaw 1111, 2023, title; Zoning Bylaw 900, consolidated to June 2026 (PDF, section 4.6), s. 4.6 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingBUILDING BYLAW NO. 1111, 2023 4.6 ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES ZONING BYLAW NO. 900, 2014 |
How it works
The Town of View Royal's building permits page lists new accessory buildings or structures, and adding, expanding, repairing or replacing a deck, dock, stairs, pool or pergola, as work that generally needs a building permit. The Accessory Structure application covers a detached storage shed, garage, pergola, carport or studio. The Deck, Dock & Stairs application covers decks. Converting a porch, carport or garage to living space or a home business also needs a permit.
The Town states no size exemption for sheds. The Building Bylaw (s. 4.3) does not apply to platforms less than 0.6 m above grade. The Town gives no other deck height threshold.
Steps
- Email or call Building Services with a description and your address to confirm whether you need a permit.
- Download the Accessory Structure form or the Deck, Dock & Stairs form.
- Submit it at Town Hall with the listed documents and the fee. Email digital copies to buildingpermits@viewroyal.ca with your application number.
- Book inspections as work proceeds (see the building inspections answer).
Good to know
- Zoning rules also apply. Under section 4.6 of the Zoning Bylaw, an accessory building generally must be no more than 7.5 m long or wide, at least 1.2 m from all lot lines, not in the front or flanking yard, at least 2.4 m from the house (except an attached garage or carport), and no taller than 4.5 m.
- Total accessory building coverage may not exceed 60 m2 or 10% of the lot, whichever is smaller.
- An accessory building attached to the house counts as part of it.
- Individual zones can set different limits, so check your zone.
- A retaining wall over 1.2 m needs its own permit.
What you'll need
- Accessory Structure or Deck, Dock & Stairs application form (Part 9)
- Site plan and any other documents the form lists
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Esquimalt · Colwood · Victoria · Langford · Saanich · Highlands
Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality →
Sources
- Building & Plumbing Permits, Town of View Royal (read 2026-11-05)
- Building Bylaw 1111, 2023 (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
- Zoning Bylaw 900, consolidated to June 2026 (PDF, section 4.6) (read 2026-11-05)
- Fees and Charges Bylaw 958, consolidated to September 2026 (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.