Home permit guide
Garage and carport permits
Detached garages, attached garages and carports can follow different building and zoning rules.
Updated September 24, 2026
The short answer
Detached garages are often regulated by accessory-building size/height/setback rules; attached garages/carports are usually treated more like additions.
A small-shed exemption does not necessarily apply to a garage or carport.
What to check first
- Attached or detached
- Floor area and height
- Setbacks and lot coverage
- Foundation and utility service
Check the rule in your city
Choose your municipality for the local permit rule, thresholds and official source.
How the rule changes by city
- Airdrie, AB: Airdrie lists detached garages and sheds among home changes requiring accessory permits, subject to the separate small-accessory-building exemption. Official source ↗
- Burnaby, BC: Burnaby treats new accessory buildings and detached garages as new buildings and requires the applicable building-permit application. Official source ↗
- Moncton, NB: Moncton requires municipal approval for residential accessory buildings such as detached garages; the exact building-versus-development permit mix depends on size and scope. Official source ↗
If a permit is required
What you may need to submit
Site plan; dimensions; foundation/slab; framing; elevations; electrical/plumbing details if serviced.
Inspections
Foundation/slab, framing and final inspections are common for permitted garages.
Use the local guide before you start
Permit rules, exemptions and application routes are set locally. Open your municipality guide before relying on a threshold or starting work.
Find your municipality →