Accessory Structures
Building permit applications are accepted through the Online Permitting Portal
A building permit is required for any detached accessory structure that is:
- 10 metres squared (about 108 feet squared) in size or greater
- Attached to another structure regardless of size
- A structure occupying an area of 10 metres squared or less, that contains plumbing
Designer requirements
Drawings that are prepared by a qualified designer (as defined in the Ontario Building Code) must include:
- The qualified designer’s name
- The qualified designer’s registration number
- The qualification identification number of the qualified designer (Building Code Identification Number: BCIN)
- The qualified designer's signature
- The stamp or statement that the qualified designer has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities
Note: Property owners may prepare and submit drawings that follow the requirements outlined in the “drawing requirements” section below.
Drawing requirements
A PDF copy of the construction drawing must be provided.
All drawings are to be designed to a minimum scale of 1:75 or 3/16ths equals one foot. Drawings are to be fully dimensioned, signed and dated, and include information such as:
- A property survey or site plan – including the location of the proposed accessory structure and dimensions indicating the distance from accessory structure to adjacent property lines
- Lot grading plan approved by City of Vaughan Development Engineering Department
- Construction drawings. Depending on the scope of work, each drawing set may require the following information:
- Foundation plan
- Floor plan or framing plan
- Building elevations indicating building height, length, roof overhang dimensions, window and door locations and sizes and exterior finishes
- Wall sections and details
- Roof plan including engineered truss drawings and layout (if applicable)
- Engineered beam and floor joist layout and specifications (if applicable)
Additional requirements
- Commonly Used Applicable Laws & Building Permits (PDF)
- Building Permit Applicant Authorization Form (PDF)
- Schedule 1 Designer Information Form (PDF)
- Plumbing permit requirements
- Approval from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (if applicable)
- Approval from City of Vaughan’s Urban Design and Cultural Heritage division (if applicable)
- Any other documents that pertain to the project