Ask the Expert: Are Permits Required to Build a Roof, Pergola, or Shed? – Calgary

As summer approaches, many Calgary residents may consider renovating their backyard with a new roof or pergola, or creating more storage by building a shed.

But there are a few things to consider before you start swinging that hammer.

Calgary’s Jennifer Crack joined Global News Morning Calgary on Monday to highlight backyard home improvement projects that need a permit.

“When you do renovations, we want to make sure you’re doing your project safely. So the permits are there so we can check the safety procedures, and make sure they’re built correctly,” Crack said.

deck building

While balconies always require building permits, decks usually do not. As long as your roof is no more than 0.6 meters (two feet) above the step and does not have a roof, you do not need a permit.

However, if your deck will have a roof attached to your home, permits will be required.

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shed building

Usually, as long as it will be in your backyard and not connected to your home, you do not need a permit to build a shed.

“Anything less than 10 square metres – the equivalent of 107 square feet – you don’t need a permit for that,” Crack explained. “Just make sure you are aware of how close they are to any side properties.”

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pergola building

Typically, a pergola does not require building permits, as long as it is not attached to the house and is less than 10 square meters (107 square feet) in size.

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For more information on other home improvement projects such as building gazebos, playhouses, patios and sunrooms, visit Calgary.ca/myhome.