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Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
A new Nanaimo accessory building over 10 square metres needs a building permit. A detached dwelling is a different category from a shed, hobby workshop or garage.
Key information
A new Nanaimo accessory building over 10 square metres needs a building permit. A detached dwelling is a different category from a shed, hobby workshop or garage.
On this page
Separate living space from storage
Non-dwelling accessory buildings are for storage, parking or hobbies, such as detached garages, sheds and workshops. Accessory dwellings are habitable spaces commonly containing a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area.
The City directs carriage-house construction to its separate carriage-house page. Do not submit a storage-shed description for a building intended to house someone. Use the application category matching actual use.
Sources: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Application package
The source lists a Building Permit Application, an Appointment of Agent if the applicant is not the registered owner, and the plans or records in the Accessory Building Requirements document. Read the linked requirement checklist before submission.
The main page does not reproduce setbacks, height limits, design details or every checklist requirement. Those are not guessed here. Building Inspections can advise at 250-755-4429 or building.inspections@nanaimo.ca.
Sources: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Other structures and rule checks
The permit threshold is over 10 square metres, equivalent to 107.64 square feet. A threshold alone does not establish that a smaller structure is allowed anywhere on the parcel; zoning still needs to be checked.
For a fabric-covered shed, the page points to Zoning Bylaw 4500 Part 6. For a shipping container, it points to the Locate Permit page. The City uses different routes for those structures rather than one general accessory-building approval.
Sources: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Source building threshold | Over 10 m², or 107.64 ft² |
| Non-dwelling examples | Shed, detached garage, workshop |
| Dwelling category | Habitable separate residential space |
| Agent document | Needed when applicant is not registered owner |
| Fabric-covered shed | Check Zoning Bylaw 4500 Part 6 |
| Shipping container | Check Locate Permit route |
Sources: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Steps to follow
- Define use
Decide whether the structure is residential living space or non-dwelling.
- Gather plans
Use the City requirements document and agent form if needed.
- Confirm route
Ask Building Inspections about the proposal and applicable zoning.
Sources: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Questions and answers
What is the stated accessory-building permit threshold?
A new accessory building over 10 square metres.
Source: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
What is that area in square feet?
107.64 square feet.
Source: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Is a detached garage an accessory non-dwelling example?
Yes.
Source: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Is a hobby workshop an accessory non-dwelling example?
Yes, when it is not intended as living accommodation.
Source: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
What distinguishes an accessory dwelling?
It is habitable residential space, typically with kitchen, bathroom and sleeping facilities.
Source: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Where does the City direct carriage-house proposals?
To its separate Carriage House information page.
Source: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
When is an Appointment of Agent needed?
When the applicant is not the registered owner.
Source: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Does this page give every setback and height rule?
No. Use the linked requirements and zoning documents.
Source: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Where should I look for shipping-container permission?
The Locate Permit page.
Source: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information
Who handles building-permit questions?
Building Inspections, 250-755-4429 or building.inspections@nanaimo.ca.
Source: Official Nanaimo shed, garage and accessory-building permit basics information