Surrey Shed Site Plan for Permit: Setbacks & Placement

A backyard shed can provide valuable space for garden tools, bicycles, seasonal equipment, and household storage. Before choosing a shed size or preparing the foundation, however, Surrey homeowners need to confirm where the structure can legally be placed.

A shed that appears small and simple can still affect property-line setbacks, lot coverage, drainage, trees, easements, backyard access, and the spacing between buildings. A clear Surrey shed site plan for permit helps show the City what is already on the property, where the shed will be located, and how the proposed placement fits within the available yard.

The setback dimensions shown in the example image are illustrative. The actual setbacks, height limits, lot coverage rules, and placement requirements must be confirmed for the zoning and conditions of the individual Surrey property.

Does a Shed Need a Building Permit in Surrey?

It depends on the size, use, design, and location of the shed.

The City of Surrey’s accessory-building permit guide indicates that an accessory building with a building area of less than 10 square metres, or approximately 108 square feet, that is used only for storage may not require a building permit.^[1]

That does not mean a small shed can be placed anywhere in the backyard. The City states that property owners constructing a shed without a permit must still comply with the Surrey Zoning Bylaw requirements governing:

• permitted use
• density
• lot coverage
• setbacks
• building height

Separate electrical or plumbing permits may also be required if regulated electrical wiring, lighting, water, drainage, or plumbing is installed in the shed.^[2]

A larger shed or another type of accessory building may require a building permit. Surrey maintains a specific permit process for detached garages and accessory buildings and asks applicants to submit the required forms, plans, supporting documents, and fees.^[3]

Homeowners should confirm the current requirements with the City before purchasing a prefabricated shed, pouring a concrete pad, or beginning construction. For a broader explanation of local permit drawings, see our guide to obtaining a site plan for a permit in Surrey, BC.

Why a Shed Site Plan Matters

A site plan is a scaled, top-down drawing of the property. It shows how the proposed shed relates to the house, lot boundaries, other structures, access routes, landscaping, and neighbouring properties.

A clear shed site plan helps answer the questions a permit or zoning reviewer is likely to ask:

• Where are the legal or available property lines?
• What is the proposed shed size?
• How far is the shed from each property line?
• How far is it from the house and other buildings?
• Is the shed located in an allowed yard?
• Does the project comply with lot coverage limits?
• Will there be safe access to the shed?
• Could the shed interfere with drainage, trees, utilities, or easements?
• Does the shed height comply with the property’s zoning?

A simple aerial image with a box drawn over the backyard may not provide enough information. Reviewers generally need clear dimensions, setback measurements, labels, property boundaries, and a drawing scale.

Our national site plan checklist for sheds, decks, garages, pools, and additions provides a useful overview of the information commonly expected for residential projects.

What Should a Surrey Shed Site Plan Show?

The exact drawing requirements depend on the property and the proposed shed. However, a clear permit-focused plan should normally show both the existing site and the proposed work.

1. Property Lines and Lot Dimensions

The property boundaries form the base of the site plan. They establish the area within which the shed must be placed and provide the reference points from which setbacks are measured.

The drawing should show:

• front property line
• rear property line
• left and right side property lines
• lot width and lot depth
• irregular boundary dimensions, if applicable
• street frontage
• rear or side lane, where present

The shed should not be positioned using a fence as the only boundary reference. Fences are not always located directly on the legal property line.

Where exact legal boundaries are uncertain, the shed is proposed close to a lot line, or the City requires certified boundary information, a survey prepared by a British Columbia land surveyor may be needed. Our site plan versus survey guide explains the difference between a permit drawing and a legal property survey.

2. Existing House and Backyard Structures

The site plan should show the footprint of the existing residence and other improvements that affect shed placement.

These may include:

• attached or detached garage
• existing shed or accessory building
• deck, patio, or porch
• carport
• swimming pool or hot tub
• retaining walls
• fences and gates
• stairs and walkways
• driveways and parking areas

Showing all existing structures allows the reviewer to understand how much of the lot is already occupied and whether the shed will maintain adequate separation from nearby buildings.

For projects involving a larger accessory structure or vehicle access, our Surrey garage site plan guide explains additional considerations for rear lanes, driveways, setbacks, and accessory-building placement.

3. Proposed Shed Footprint and Dimensions

The proposed shed should be clearly labelled and visually distinguished from existing structures.

The plan should identify:

• shed length
• shed width
• total building area
• roof overhangs, where relevant
• door location
• foundation or base location
• whether the shed is proposed, existing, or being relocated

Dimensions should represent the actual shed being installed. If the roof extends beyond the shed walls, the municipality may need the roof or eave dimensions as well as the wall footprint.

Do not assume that the manufacturer’s model name accurately describes the final outside dimensions. Confirm the dimensions shown on the supplier’s drawings before preparing the site plan.

4. Side and Rear Yard Setbacks

A setback is the required or proposed distance between a building and a property line, street, lane, or another regulated feature.

For a backyard shed, the site plan should normally dimension:

• distance from the shed to the rear property line
• distance from the shed to the left side property line
• distance from the shed to the right side property line
• distance from the shed to the existing house
• distance from the shed to other accessory buildings
• distance to a lane or street, where applicable

Surrey does not apply one universal shed setback to every residential property. The applicable rules depend on the property’s zoning, lot configuration, road classification, building design, and other site-specific conditions.

The City directs property owners to use its COSMOS mapping system to identify the property’s zoning category and then review the corresponding zoning provisions.^[4]

Because the required setback may vary, the site plan should show the actual proposed distances rather than relying on a generic note such as “setback as required.”

5. Front and Corner-Lot Placement

Most homeowners expect to place a shed in the rear yard, but corner lots and unusual properties may have additional considerations.

A corner lot may have:

• a front property line
• a flanking street property line
• an interior side property line
• a rear property line
• additional road-related building setbacks

A yard that appears to be a side yard may be treated differently because it faces a public street. Visibility near an intersection, road widening requirements, utilities, and special building setbacks can also affect placement.

The site plan should label all adjoining streets and identify which lot lines form the front, rear, interior side, and flanking side boundaries.

6. Lot Coverage

Lot coverage measures how much of the property is occupied by buildings or structures included in the applicable zoning calculation.

A shed may be small by itself but still cause a property to approach or exceed its permitted lot coverage when combined with the house, garage, carport, covered deck, or other structures.

A lot coverage calculation may need to identify:

• total lot area
• existing house area
• existing accessory-building area
• covered deck or carport area, where applicable
• proposed shed area
• total building coverage after construction
• resulting lot coverage percentage

The calculation should follow the definitions and requirements of the property’s zoning. The City’s property-information resources provide zoning-related information such as maximum building size, setbacks, building height, and lot coverage.^[5]

7. Shed Height and Finished Grade

Building height is another zoning consideration, even when a small shed is exempt from a building permit.

The site plan may include the shed height, while elevation or construction drawings may show:

• wall height
• roof peak height
• roof slope
• finished floor elevation
• finished grade around the shed

Placing fill beneath a shed or constructing it on a raised platform can change the effective building height. The final grade should therefore be considered when determining whether the structure complies with the zoning limit.

Where significant grading, a steep slope, or a retaining wall is involved, the City may require additional information beyond a standard site plan.

8. Backyard Access and Gates

The plan should show how materials will reach the construction area and how the completed shed will be accessed.

Useful details may include:

• side-yard walkway
• gate location and width
• rear-lane access
• path from the house to the shed
• stairs or changes in grade
• fences and retaining walls
• clearance around the shed doors

Access is particularly important when the shed will store bicycles, lawn equipment, wheelbarrows, snow equipment, or other large items. A shed that technically fits in the backyard may still be impractical if the door is blocked or the access route is too narrow.

9. Easements and Rights-of-Way

Some properties contain registered easements, statutory rights-of-way, covenants, or utility corridors. These areas may restrict where a permanent structure or foundation can be placed.

Possible examples include:

• storm sewer easement
• sanitary sewer easement
• water service corridor
• hydro or telecommunications right-of-way
• drainage covenant
• access easement

A shed should not be placed over an easement simply because the area is open and appears unused. The title documents, survey, or municipal property information may need to be reviewed before finalizing the shed location.

Our guide explaining what to include on a building-permit site plan covers easements, property lines, existing structures, dimensions, access, and other common submission details.

10. Trees and Landscaping

Mature trees can affect the available building area and the way a shed foundation is constructed.

The site plan may need to show:

• tree trunks near the shed
• approximate canopy or drip line
• hedges and significant landscaping
• protected or replacement trees
• roots that may be affected by excavation
• trees close to the access route

Tree removal or work within a protected tree area may require separate review or approval. Homeowners should avoid choosing a shed location that requires major root cutting without first checking the applicable requirements.

11. Drainage and Roof Runoff

A new shed creates an additional roof surface. Rainwater must drain somewhere, and poor placement can direct runoff toward a neighbouring property, fence, retaining wall, or the foundation of the house.

Depending on the project, the site plan may show:

• existing ground slope
• proposed drainage direction
• roof slope
• eaves and gutters
• downspout locations
• swales or low areas
• permeable landscaped areas
• nearby catch basins or drainage features

The ground around the shed should generally be arranged so water does not collect beneath the structure or flow onto neighbouring land.

More complex sites involving substantial fill, retaining walls, drainage infrastructure, or steep slopes may require a grading or drainage plan prepared by an appropriate professional.

12. Utilities and Services

Known utilities should be considered before choosing the shed location or excavating for a foundation.

Relevant features may include:

• water service
• sanitary sewer
• storm sewer
• gas line
• electrical service
• communications lines
• underground irrigation
• overhead wires

The site plan should not guess at underground service locations. Where utility locations are important, the owner may need municipal records, utility-locate services, a survey, or information from the appropriate service provider.

How to Choose a Good Backyard Shed Location

The easiest place to construct the shed is not always the best place for permit compliance or long-term use.

A practical shed location should:

• remain within the property boundaries
• meet the applicable side and rear setbacks
• avoid easements and utility corridors
• maintain sufficient separation from the house
• fit within the permitted lot coverage
• avoid significant tree roots
• allow water to drain safely
• provide a clear access path
• allow the doors to open fully
• avoid blocking windows, gates, or walkways
• leave room for maintenance around the walls

Homeowners should verify these conditions before ordering a custom shed or constructing a permanent concrete foundation.

Does a Prefabricated Shed Still Need to Follow Zoning?

Yes. The fact that a shed is prefabricated, delivered in panels, made from resin or metal, or sold as a portable structure does not automatically remove zoning requirements.

The City’s residential-permit guidance specifically states that sheds constructed without a building permit must still comply with zoning requirements for use, density, lot coverage, setback, and height.^[2]

The important questions are not only how the shed was manufactured, but also:

• how large it is
• how it will be used
• where it will be located
• whether it has a permanent foundation
• whether electrical or plumbing work is proposed
• whether it complies with the zoning of the property

Can a Shed Be Used as a Bedroom or Living Space?

A small storage shed should not be treated as an additional bedroom, rental unit, office with sleeping accommodation, or dwelling simply because it physically has enough room.

A structure used for habitation can trigger different zoning, building-code, fire-safety, servicing, energy, plumbing, and permit requirements.

The permit exemption described in Surrey’s guide applies to a small accessory building used for storage purposes. Changing the intended use can change the approvals and drawings required.^[1]

Homeowners considering a garden suite, coach house, studio, or habitable accessory building should discuss the project with the City before proceeding.

What Other Drawings Might Be Required?

A site plan explains where the shed will be located, but it does not show every construction detail.

Depending on the size and design of the accessory building, the permit package may also require:

• foundation plan
• floor plan
• roof plan
• building elevations
• wall or building sections
• construction details
• structural information
• engineering or professional seals, where required

The City notes that a registered professional may be required to sign and seal drawings for a detached garage or accessory-building permit in some circumstances.^[3]

The site plan should be coordinated with the other drawings. The shed dimensions, location, roof overhangs, door orientation, and project description should be consistent throughout the permit package.

Common Shed Site Plan Mistakes

Permit or zoning review can be delayed when the site plan does not clearly explain the project.

Common mistakes include:

• using the fence as the property line without verification
• showing the shed without dimensions
• omitting side or rear setback measurements
• using setback numbers from another property or zoning category
• not showing the existing house and accessory structures
• forgetting roof overhangs
• leaving out lot coverage information
• placing the shed over an easement or utility corridor
• not showing backyard access or gate locations
• ignoring drainage and roof runoff
• failing to identify existing versus proposed work
• submitting an unscaled screenshot or rough aerial image
• using shed dimensions that do not match the manufacturer’s plans

Our complete Canadian site plan requirements checklist can help identify missing information before a drawing is submitted.

When Might You Need a Survey or Other Professional?

A standard drafted site plan may be suitable for many residential shed projects, but additional professional information may be required when:

• the property lines cannot be confirmed
• the shed is close to a boundary
• an easement or encroachment may be involved
• the site has a steep slope
• substantial grading or fill is proposed
• a retaining wall is needed
• the shed is unusually large or complex
• structural engineering is required
• the foundation is close to underground services
• the City requests certified dimensions or elevations

A SitePlans.ca drawing does not replace a legal survey, structural design, engineering, architectural services, arborist review, or municipal approval when one of those services is required.

What Information Should You Provide?

To prepare a Surrey shed site plan, it is helpful to provide:

• the property address
• an existing survey or site plan, if available
• shed length, width, and height
• manufacturer drawings or product specifications
• the preferred backyard location
• distances from the proposed shed to nearby property lines
• photos of the backyard and access route
• a sketch or marked aerial image
• locations of existing sheds, decks, garages, fences, and retaining walls
• known easements or utility information
• tree locations near the proposed work
• City comments, if the application has already been reviewed

The more accurate the starting information, the more accurately the finished drawing can reflect the proposed project.

Get a Surrey Shed Site Plan for Permit

A good shed site plan does more than show a small rectangle in the backyard. It explains how the structure relates to the property lines, setbacks, house, accessory buildings, lot coverage, access, trees, drainage, utilities, and easements.

SitePlans.ca prepares clear permit-focused drawings for homeowners, contractors, shed suppliers, and property owners throughout Surrey and British Columbia.

For information about other projects and municipalities, visit our British Columbia site plan services guide or our main site plan for permit service page.

Official Sources

1. City of Surrey – Guide to Applying for a Building Permit for a Detached Garage or Accessory Building
2. City of Surrey – Residential Building Permits
3. City of Surrey – Detached Garage or Accessory Building Permit
4. City of Surrey – Zoning and COSMOS
5. City of Surrey – Property and Building Information
6. City of Surrey – Maps and COSMOS

Permit and zoning requirements can change and can vary by property. Confirm the current requirements, zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, and required drawings with the City of Surrey before ordering a shed or beginning construction.