Big, beautiful backyards are one of the best things about life in White City! So we’re not surprised to see you wanting to spruce up your digs. See below for the accessory building & deck permits information package. But don’t give yourself a hand cramp! Just fill in the pages that are relevant to the improvement you’re making. And don’t forget to invite us over when your new deck is ready!
Please click the links below to access the permit packages for accessory buildings and decks.
Accessory Buildings
Accessory Definition
According to the Town of White City's Zoning Bylaw No. 581-14, accessory is defined as:
- A building or use that is subordinate to and serves the principal building or principal use.
- Is subordinate in area, mass, extent and purpose to the principal building or principal use served;
- Contributes to the comfort, convenience or necessity of the occupants of the principal building or assists to the principal use;
- And is located on the same site as the principal building or use.
Common examples of accessory buildings include: detached garages, garden sheds, gazebos, carports, playhouses, greenhouses, etc.
Development & Building Permits For Accessory Uses
Before constructing an accessory building, both a Development Permit and a Building Permit are mandated by the Town of White City. These authorizations ensure requirements associated with White City’s Zoning Bylaw are observed and proper building codes are met. Please note that a Building Permit cannot be issued unless a Development Permit, where required, has also been issued.
Regulations
The Town of White City’s Zoning Bylaw No. 581-14 regulates development including the size, location and use of buildings. The Building Bylaw No. 433-05 regulates how buildings are constructed.
All accessory buildings, including sheds over 10 square metres in area, and tent buildings require a development permit.
Except as specifically provided in these Bylaws, accessory buildings shall comply with the yard requirements for a principal building. Any accessory building must be located a minimum of 1 metre from a principal building and if located in the side yard of the principal building, the setback shall comply with all the minimum yard requirements of the principal building. An accessory building shall not be located in a front yard.
Accessory buildings not exceeding 10 square meters (100 sq. ft) in area or 2.5 m (8.2ft) in height are not subject to setback standards if they are located completely in the rear of the lot.
The size of an accessory building can be a maximum of 5% of the total lot area. This 5% can be portioned between all accessory buildings on the lot.
No door that could give a vehicle access to a private garage, whether attached to the principal building or not, shall be located in a required front yard, less than 4.5 metres from a street to which it gives direct access, or less than 1.5 metres to a lane to which it gives direct access.
Private garages, carports, and accessory buildings attached to a principal building by a substantial roof structure shall be considered as part of the principal building and subject to the regulations of the principal building.
Accessory buildings with barrel vault roofs shall not be permitted in all Residential and Community Service Districts.
If trusses are to be used, then a truss design stamped by an architect or engineer is required.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the proposed structure will not encroach upon any easements registered against the property in question.
If you are unsure, please check with the municipality prior to construction. It is always best practice to contact the Development Officer before beginning any project.
Moveable Buildings
A development permit is required for moveable buildings under 100sqft.
Decks
Deck construction and placement are governed by the Town of White City Zoning Bylaw.
For purposes of definition, a deck is an open platform that is elevated (24 inches) above grade, projecting from the face of a wall, cantilevered or supported by columns or brackets, and usually surrounded by a balustrade or railing.
Both a Development Permit and a Building Permit are required to construct a new deck, demolish, repair or alter an existing deck, or enclose an existing deck. These authorizations ensure requirements associated with the Town of White City’s Zoning Bylaw are observed plus proper building and safety codes are met.
National Building Code
Building Code Requirements detailed in the National Building Code of Canada concerning guard rails, handrails, stair construction, come into effect and must be considered when planning the structure of decks. Foundation support (ie. piles) will be required when the distance from finished ground to the underside of the joist exceeds 600mm.
Projections In Yards
In Front Yard – maximum of 1.8m projection of open cantilevered balconies, open porches, or open steps.
In Rear Yard – unenclosed deck and enclosed decks may project 3 metres into any required rear yard.
Safety Measures
Guards are to be constructed to be non-climbable to prevent injury.
Glass in guards must be safety glass of the laminated or tempered type which conforms to “Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass” standards (established by the Canadian General Standards Board). Guards may also contain wired glass which conforms to CGSB “Wired Safety Glass” standards.
Guards And Stairs
Where deck height is greater than 0.6 metres above grade at any point, a guard rail is required on every deck side that is not protected by a wall.
Guards must be a minimum of 1.07 metres high. An exception exists where the walking surface served by the guard is less than 1.8 metres above grade and the deck serves only one dwelling unit. In this instance, the guards may be a minimum of 0.9 metres high.
Spacing between guard rails is a maximum of 0.1 metres, preventing the passage of spherical object with that diameter.
Stair guards must be a minimum of 0.9 metres high above the stair. This is measured vertically from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings furthermore, stair guards must be minimum of 1.07 metres high at landings.
When more than 3 stair risers are present, a handrail is required along the stairs.
Encroachment
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the proposed structure will not encroach upon any easements registered against the property in question.