Site Plan for Permit in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Residential site plan for a building permit in Winnipeg Manitoba — Example of a residential site plan showing property boundaries, existing buildings, proposed construction and setback dimensions.

Planning a deck, detached garage, shed, home addition or another residential project in Winnipeg? Your permit application may require a site plan showing where the proposed work will be located on the property.

A site plan gives City reviewers a clear overhead view of the lot. It can show the house, property lines, existing structures, proposed construction, streets, lanes and distances to the property boundaries. This information helps the City review the project for compliance with Winnipeg zoning requirements, the Manitoba Building Code and other applicable rules.

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What Is a Site Plan?

A site plan is a scaled drawing that shows a property from above. It explains where buildings and outdoor improvements are located within the lot.

A residential site plan may show:

Property boundaries and lot dimensions
The existing house and attached garage
Detached garages, sheds, decks and other structures
The location and dimensions of the proposed project
Distances from the proposed work to each property line
Distances between existing and proposed structures
Street, lane and driveway locations
Known easements or rights-of-way
Overhead electrical lines, when applicable
The property’s legal description
A north arrow and drawing scale

The City of Winnipeg explains that development permits address land use and the size, location and design of buildings or structures. Building permits address how the construction will take place and require detailed plans to confirm compliance with the Manitoba Building Code and other applicable standards and bylaws.^[1]

Development Permit Versus Building Permit

Winnipeg uses two related permit processes, and some projects require both.

Development permit

A development permit reviews whether the proposed use, location, size and design comply with the Winnipeg Zoning By-law and other City requirements. It focuses largely on what can be built and where it can be placed on the property.

Building permit

A building permit reviews the proposed construction details. It helps confirm that the foundation, framing, stairs, guards, structural components and other building elements comply with applicable construction requirements.

Where both permits are required, the applications may be reviewed concurrently. The drawings submitted for the building permit must match the related development permit approval or application.^[1]

When Is a Site Plan Required in Winnipeg?

The required documents depend on the project. A site plan is commonly requested when construction changes the exterior layout of the property or adds a new outdoor structure.

Projects that commonly require a site plan include:

House additions
Attached garages
Detached garages and carports
Decks
Sheds, gazebos and workshops
Outdoor pools and hot tubs
New houses
Detached secondary suites
Some exterior alterations
Construction near a regulated riverbank or waterway

The City provides a separate permit application and documentation checklist for each major project type. Applicants should review the current form for their project before preparing the final drawing package.

Site Plans for Home Additions and Attached Garages

All house additions and attached garages require both a development permit and a building permit in Winnipeg.^[2]

The City’s addition application form requires a fully dimensioned site plan that shows:

Street and lane locations
The distance from the building to all property lines
The distance from the building to accessory structures
The location of overhead electrical lines, when applicable
The legal description of the property

The site plan is only one part of the application. Building elevations, floor plans, a foundation plan, building sections and other construction information may also be required.^[3]

Site Plans for Detached Garages and Sheds

Detached garages and accessory structures larger than 10 square metres, or 108 square feet, require a building permit. Examples include detached garages, carports, storage sheds, gazebos and workshops.^[4]

Effective June 1, 2026, building plans must be submitted as part of a Winnipeg building permit application for detached garages and accessory structures.

The required site plan should show:

Street and lane locations
The proposed garage, shed or accessory structure
All existing buildings and structures
Distances from the proposed structure to all property lines
Overhead electrical lines, when applicable
The property’s legal description

Separate building plans may also be needed, including elevations, floor plans, foundation details and a construction cross-section.^[5]

Important: A structure that does not require a building permit must still comply with zoning and building-code requirements. Being below the permit-size threshold does not automatically mean it can be placed anywhere on the lot.

Site Plans for Deck Permits

The need for a Winnipeg deck permit depends on factors such as the deck’s area, location and height above the ground.

The City identifies decks larger than 3.4 square metres, or 36 square feet, located in a rear or side yard and more than 600 millimetres, or two feet, above ground as requiring a building permit. Development permit requirements should also be checked before applying.^[6]

A deck site plan should show:

Street and lane locations
The proposed deck
All existing buildings and structures
Distances from the deck to every property line
Overhead electrical lines, when applicable
The legal description
Required fencing and gate locations when a hot tub is proposed

Construction plans may also need to show the deck dimensions, foundation type, beams, posts, joists, stairs, guards and handrails.^[7]

What Should a Winnipeg Site Plan Show?

Although requirements vary, most useful residential site plans include the following categories of information.

Property information

Municipal address
Legal description, when available
Property-line dimensions
Drawing scale
North arrow

Existing conditions

House footprint
Attached and detached garages
Existing sheds, decks and accessory structures
Driveway and walkway locations
Street and rear-lane locations
Known easements
Overhead electrical lines

Proposed construction

Project footprint
Overall length and width
Distance to front, rear and side property lines
Distance to the house and other structures
Stairs, landings, roof projections and other relevant features

The measurements should be consistent with the floor plans, elevations and construction drawings included with the application.

Check the Zoning Before Preparing the Plan

The Winnipeg Zoning By-law regulates how properties may be used and developed. Depending on the zone and project, it may control:

Front, rear and side-yard setbacks
Building and accessory-structure height
Lot coverage
Permitted land uses
Parking requirements
Driveway and access locations
Placement of decks and accessory structures
Secondary suites

The City provides an address information service that allows residents to look up property-related information, including zoning. The City notes that this information may not include caveats, agreements, orders or other encumbrances registered against the property.^[8]

If a proposal does not comply with the applicable zoning requirements, the design may need to be changed or an additional variance or conditional-use application may be required.

Property Boundaries and Surveys

City mapping can be useful for preliminary reference, but it should not be treated as a legal survey.

The City of Winnipeg advises property owners to consult a Manitoba Land Surveyor before undertaking construction to confirm that the work remains within the legal property boundaries. The City does not guarantee the accuracy of the boundaries shown on its public property map.^[9]

A legal survey may provide:

Certified property boundaries
Lot dimensions
The legal description
Registered survey monuments
Existing building locations
Some easements and rights-of-way

Siteplans.ca prepares drafting plans from the documents and measurements provided by the customer. We do not establish, locate or certify legal property boundaries.

Can You Get Previous Plans From the City?

The City allows owners to request copies of available building records. Residential building records may contain a site plan, architectural drawings and mechanical information.

However, records are not available for every property, and older files may be incomplete or difficult to read. The City does not guarantee that a complete plan set will be found for a particular address.^[10]

An existing survey, builder’s site plan, grading plan or previous permit drawing can be valuable when preparing a new site plan.

Properties Near Rivers, Creeks and Waterways

Winnipeg properties near rivers, creeks and regulated waterways may require an additional waterway permit.

The City states that a waterway permit may be required before construction or other work occurs on or near a riverbank. The review helps prevent work from weakening the riverbank, restricting water flow or damaging nearby property.^[11]

A waterway site plan may need to include:

The legal description and lot dimensions
The drawing scale
Existing structures
The proposed work
Distances to property boundaries
The location of the waterway
Proposed changes to site drainage

Waterway approval should be investigated early because it can affect the location and design of the project.

How to Submit a Winnipeg Permit Application

Development and building permit applications can be submitted through the City’s Permits Online system. Registered users can:

Apply for permits and development applications
Save partially completed applications
View application status
Submit and view documents
View invoices and receipts
Make payments

The City warns that incomplete applications will result in delays. Applicants should confirm that the required forms, plans, supporting documents and fees are included before submission.^[12]

Digital Drawing Requirements

The City requires digital permit documents to be submitted in PDF format. Each application should contain enough drawing information and documentation for the City to review the project.^[13]

Depending on the application, documents may be separated into files such as:

Application forms
Site plan
Building or construction plans
Elevations
Foundation plans
Engineering reports
Professional designer certificates

Clear file names and fully dimensioned drawings make it easier for reviewers to identify the information provided.

Common Reasons a Site Plan May Need Corrections

A site plan may be returned for revisions when important information is missing, inconsistent or difficult to read.

Common issues include:

Missing property-line dimensions
Missing setbacks
The proposed work is not clearly labelled
Existing and proposed structures are difficult to distinguish
The site plan does not match the construction drawings
Street or lane locations are omitted
The legal description is missing
Overhead electrical lines are not shown
Stairs, landings or roof projections are omitted
The proposed location does not comply with zoning
Only an aerial image or rough sketch is submitted

A clear, properly dimensioned plan can help the City understand the proposal and reduce avoidable requests for clarification.

What We Need to Prepare Your Winnipeg Site Plan

Helpful source information includes:

The Winnipeg property address
An existing survey, grading plan or previous site plan
Property-line dimensions
Measurements of the house and existing structures
Dimensions of the proposed project
Distances from the proposed work to the property lines
Driveway, street and rear-lane locations
Photographs of the property
A sketch showing the proposed project location
Known easements or overhead electrical lines
Comments or checklists provided by the City

The more reliable information you provide, the more accurately the existing and proposed conditions can be shown.

Residential Site Plans Across Winnipeg

Site plan drafting may be useful for residential projects throughout Winnipeg, including properties in:

St. Vital
St. Boniface
Transcona
Charleswood
River Heights
Fort Garry
Waverley West
Garden City
North Kildonan
East Kildonan
Westwood
Whyte Ridge
Bridgwater
St. James
West Kildonan

Requirements remain property-specific. Similar projects in different Winnipeg neighbourhoods may be affected by different zoning, lot dimensions, easements, waterways or registered agreements.

Order a Winnipeg Site Plan Online

Send us your available property documents, measurements, photographs and proposed project details. We will prepare a clear site plan showing the relevant existing structures, proposed construction and setback dimensions based on the information supplied.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a site plan for a building permit in Winnipeg?

A site plan is commonly required for exterior projects such as additions, decks, garages and accessory structures. Review the current City application form for the specific project to confirm the required documents.

Does a detached garage require a permit?

A detached garage requires a building permit when it is larger than 10 square metres, or 108 square feet. Zoning and other approval requirements should also be checked before construction begins.^[4]

Does a shed require a permit?

A shed or other detached accessory structure larger than 10 square metres generally requires a building permit. Smaller structures must still comply with zoning and applicable construction requirements.

Does a deck require a permit?

Permit requirements depend on the deck’s size, height and location. The City specifically identifies area, placement in a side or rear yard and height above grade as important permit factors.^[6]

Does an addition require both permits?

Yes. The City states that all house additions and attached garages require both a development permit and a building permit.^[2]

Can Siteplans.ca prepare a legal survey?

No. We prepare site plan drawings from customer-supplied documents and measurements. A legal boundary survey must be completed by a qualified Manitoba Land Surveyor.

Can the site plan be prepared without a site visit?

In many cases, yes. A plan can be prepared online when sufficient property documents, dimensions, photographs and project information are available.

Where are Winnipeg permit applications submitted?

Applications can be submitted through the City of Winnipeg’s Permits Online system. The City also provides other submission options for certain applications.^[12]

This article provides general information and does not replace project-specific advice or approval from the City of Winnipeg. Permit, zoning and drawing requirements may change and can vary by property and project. Siteplans.ca does not establish legal property boundaries, provide legal surveys or guarantee municipal approval.