White Rock permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages
Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?
In the City of White Rock a deck, shed, garage or carport may need a building permit, and the City's two guides differ on small sheds. One says sheds over 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m²); the other lists every new accessory building. Call the Building Department at 604-541-2149 before you build.
Key facts
| Sheds | The Good Neighbour Guide says a building permit is required for sheds or ancillary buildings larger than 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m²). The Guide for Building Permit Applications lists any new accessory building or structure without a size threshold.Sources differ: Two City documents differ: the Good Neighbour Guide (2026) gives a 9.3 m² threshold; the permit guide (Feb 2025) lists all new accessory buildings. The bylaw excludes buildings exempted by the BC Building Code, whose threshold is not stated in the City text read. Confirm with the Building Department (604-541-2149).Good Neighbour Guide, Ancillary buildings; Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF, February 2025), Permits required list; Building Bylaw 1928, s. 5.3(a) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingA Building Permit is required for sheds or ancillary buildings larger than 100 sq. ft. Constructing a new accessory building or accessory structure. buildings or structures exempted by Division A Part 1 of the Building Code |
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| Decks | A permit may not be needed for permeable decks less than 0.6 m (2 ft) high. A building permit is required for impermeable decks and for structurally supported decks regardless of height. Covering or enclosing a porch or sundeck also needs a permit.Good Neighbour Guide, Decks; Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF, February 2025), Permits required list · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingA building permit may not be required for: Permeable decks less than 0.6 m (2 ft) high. Structurally supported decks regardless of height. Constructing, covering or enclosing a porch or sundeck. |
| Garages and carports | The Feb 2025 permit guide lists any new accessory building or structure. The 2026 Good Neighbour Guide says a permit is required for sheds or ancillary buildings larger than 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m²), and the Zoning Bylaw counts detached garages and carports as ancillary buildings. Confirm with the Building Department.Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF, February 2025), Permits required list; Zoning Bylaw 2024, No. 2506, s. 3 Definitions; Good Neighbour Guide, Ancillary buildings · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingConstructing a new accessory building or accessory structure. includes accessory dwelling units, detached garages, detached carports, detached workshops and storage sheds. A Building Permit is required for sheds or ancillary buildings larger than 100 sq. ft. |
| Zoning limits | In the RS-1 zone: only one ancillary building per lot; not in a required front or exterior side yard; at least 3.0 m from the house; 1.5 m from rear and interior side lot lines; height up to 5.0 m. Total lot coverage 40%, including sheds, garages and covered decks. Other zones differ (e.g. 4.0 m in RS-3).Zoning Bylaw 2024, No. 2506, s. 6.1.10; Zoning Bylaw 2024, No. 2506, s. 6.1.8; Zoning Bylaw 2024, No. 2506, s. 6.1.4; Zoning Bylaw 2024, No. 2506, s. 6.3.8; Good Neighbour Guide, Ancillary buildings · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingthere shall be not more than one ancillary building per lot. ancillary buildings or structures shall not be located in any required front yard or shall not be sited less than 3.0m (9.84ft) from a ancillary buildings and structures shall not exceed a height of 5.0m (16.40ft). The maximum lot coverage is 40%. ancillary buildings and structures shall not exceed a height of 4.0m (13.12ft) A minimum 1.5 m setback from all property lines is required. |
| Bylaw | Building Bylaw, 2012, No. 1928; Zoning Bylaw, 2024, No. 2506Building Bylaw 1928, Title; Zoning Bylaw 2024, No. 2506, Title · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingBuilding Bylaw, 2012, No. 1928 WHITE ROCK ZONING BYLAW, 2024, No. 2506 |
How it works
Two City documents give different answers for sheds. The Good Neighbour Guide (2026) says a building permit is required for sheds or ancillary buildings larger than 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m²). The Guide for Building Permit Applications (February 2025) lists any new accessory building or structure, with no size threshold. The Building Bylaw 1928 excludes buildings exempted by the BC Building Code, but the City text does not say what that threshold is.
Garages and carports: the Zoning Bylaw counts them as ancillary buildings, and the City does not state a separate rule. The same two documents apply.
Decks: a permit may not be needed for a permeable deck less than 0.6 m (2 ft) high. A permit is required for an impermeable deck, and for a structurally supported deck regardless of height. Covering or enclosing a porch or sundeck also needs one.
Steps
- Look up your zone (see zoning-lookup) and read its section of the Zoning Bylaw 2506.
- Call 604-541-2149 to confirm whether your project needs a permit.
- If it does, book an intake appointment (see building-permit).
Good to know
- In the RS-1 zone: only one ancillary building per lot; not in a required front or exterior side yard; at least 3.0 m from the house; 1.5 m from rear and interior side lot lines; height up to 5.0 m. Other zones differ (for example, 4.0 m height in RS-3).
- Total lot coverage in RS-1 is 40%, including sheds, garages and covered decks.
- Roof drainage must go to the municipal storm system.
- Check your zone in WROMS, the City's online map.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Surrey · Langley City · Township of Langley · Delta · New Westminster · Burnaby
Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality →
Sources
- Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF, February 2025), City of White Rock (read 2026-11-05)
- Good Neighbour Guide (PDF), City of White Rock (read 2026-11-05)
- Building Bylaw 1928 (PDF), City of White Rock (read 2026-11-05)
- Zoning Bylaw 2024, No. 2506 (PDF), City of White Rock (read 2026-11-05)
- 2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw 2554 (PDF), City of White Rock (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.