Creating a backyard oasis – safely and correctly!
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Learn about permit requirements for decks, sheds, sunrooms, cabanas, pools and more
With the summer season in full swing, many people are turning their time and attention to enhancing their backyards. But before putting the shovel in the ground, check and see what permits are required for the project. The City of Vaughan is here to help turn your yard into the oasis of your dreams – safely and correctly.
Here is some information on the types of grading permits and building permits required for a variety of residential construction projects.
POOLS
As outlined in the City’s Fence By-law (PDF), a swimming pool enclosure permit must be obtained for any structure that holds a depth of 76 centimetres (30 inches) of water or more on personal property – including in-ground pools, permanent above-ground pools such as swim spas and hot tubs, and temporary/seasonal pools that can be stored away. This permit is a safety requirement to ensure proper fencing and secure access to the pool. Learn more about pool permits.
CABANAS AND SHEDS
A grading permit and a building permit may be required to install a cabana, shed and other accessory structures – depending on the size.
Permit requirements vary depending on the area of the structure. A grading permit is required for any structure or addition that has an area greater than 10 square metres (about 108 square feet). Grading permits for structures with an area greater than 40 square metres (about 430 square feet) also require certification by an OLS or P. Eng. A permit is not required for structures less than 10 square metres (about 108 square feet). Learn more about new structure or addition permits.
A building permit is required if the structure has an area greater than 10 square metres (about 108 square feet), is attached to another structure regardless of size or contains plumbing. Even if a building permit is not needed, the structure is still required to meet City zoning requirements, such as setbacks to property lines and lot coverage. Learn more about building permits needed for accessory structures.
DECKS
A building permit is required for any deck or porch that is attached to a building, regardless of area or height above grade. A building permit is not required for uncovered decks that have a maximum area of 18.6 square metres (about 200 square feet), are not greater than 0.6 metres (about 23.6 inches) above grade and are not attached to an existing structure. Although a building permit may not be required, the uncovered deck is still required to meet City zoning requirements, such as setbacks to property lines and lot coverage. Both enclosed and open decks do not require a grading permit to build. Learn more about building permits required for decks.
SUNROOMS
A grading permit is not required for sunrooms built on posts; however, if the sunroom is to be installed on top of a foundation, a grading permit will be required. If the structure is more than 40 square metres, a surveyor stamp must be granted by a City of Vaughan engineer. Learn more about sunroom or accessory grading permits.
A building permit is required for any sunroom attached to a building, any sunroom that is greater than 10 square metres in area (about 108 square feet) and any sunroom that contains plumbing regardless of size. Learn more about sunroom or accessory building permits.
MORE INFORMATION
Visit vaughan.ca/DEPermits to learn more about what is required for building a new structure or installing a swimming pool in your backyard.
Browse through residential building permits for permitting information and requirements before submitting a building permit application to the City.
Before starting any backyard construction project, the City is reminding citizens to refer to provincial and regional COVID-19 regulations. Individuals must also adhere to Public Health measures, including wearing a mask and physically distancing. Another resource is Ontario One Call – a not-for-profit organization that facilitates excavation locate requests to ensure homeowners and infrastructure assets, such as buried cables, wires and cables, are safe when digging. Reach them online or by phone at 1-800-400-2255.
READY TO APPLY?
The City has added more options to its online permitting portal to further enable citizens to apply, track and pay for residential renovation permits digitally with a secure login. Get started at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan.
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