The Home Almanac

Vol. I, MMXXVIThe Canadian home, in season655 stations, every province and territory

Permits in Red Lake

When a backyard shed, deck, or fence needs a building permit in Red Lake, Ontario, with the size cut-offs, coverage level, and source link.

Coverage

Municipal rule

Shed

A building permit is required for accessory structures larger than 15 m2 (161 sq ft); smaller detached storage structures may be exempt if they have no plumbing, subject to zoning setbacks.

Deck

Decks more than 60 centimetres above grade require a building permit.

Fence

Fences do not require a building permit but must comply with the local fence by-law; pool enclosures require a permit.

The provincial baseline

Under the Ontario Building Code, a detached one-storey storage shed of 15 square metres (about 160 square feet) or less, with no plumbing, does not need a building permit. Anything larger, with plumbing, or attached to another building does. Zoning rules (setbacks, height, lot coverage) always apply even when no building permit is needed.

Red Lake permit questions

Do I need a permit to build a shed in Red Lake?

A building permit is required for accessory structures larger than 15 m2 (161 sq ft); smaller detached storage structures may be exempt if they have no plumbing, subject to zoning setbacks. Source: Red Lake building department, last checked 2026-07-03.

Do I need a permit for a deck in Red Lake?

Decks more than 60 centimetres above grade require a building permit.

Do I need a permit for a fence in Red Lake?

Fences do not require a building permit but must comply with the local fence by-law; pool enclosures require a permit.

Source

From Red Lake building department, last checked 2026-07-03. Building department contact: If your project does not appear as an example contact info@rsmbuildingconsultants.com Examples of projects that require a Permit The following is a list of common projects that require a building perm

This is a plain-language explainer, not legal or professional advice, and not the bylaw itself. Rules change and vary by zone within a city. Always confirm with your municipality's building department and the linked official page before you build. Decks and sheds near a conservation authority's regulated area may need a separate permit.

Other municipalities: Dryden, Ear Falls, Ignace, Kenora. Or see every municipality.