The Home Almanac

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

Permits in Windsor

When a backyard shed, deck, or fence needs a building permit in Windsor, 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 10 m2 (108 sq ft); smaller detached storage structures may be exempt if they have no plumbing, subject to zoning setbacks.

Deck

Decks and other structural additions require a building permit under the town's building page.

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.

Windsor permit questions

Do I need a permit to build a shed in Windsor?

A building permit is required for accessory structures larger than 10 m2 (108 sq ft); smaller detached storage structures may be exempt if they have no plumbing, subject to zoning setbacks. Source: Windsor building department, last checked 2026-07-03.

Do I need a permit for a deck in Windsor?

Decks and other structural additions require a building permit under the town's building page.

Do I need a permit for a fence in Windsor?

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

Source

From Windsor building department, last checked 2026-07-03. Local overlay: To view the provisions of each zoning, you can view the Zoning By-law .

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: Amherstburg, Essex, Essex County, Kingsville. Or see every municipality.