Detached Garages and Accessory Structures

1 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

Detached Garages &

Accessory Structures

Construction Information

Permit requirements

All detached garages and accessory structures larger

than 10 m

(108 sq. ft.), require a building permit.

In addition to a building permit, accessory structures

larger than 14 m

(150 sq. ft.), such as open-sided

pergolas, gazebos and similar structures, also require a

development permit.

A detached garage does not require a development

permit, but still requires a building permit. For more

information on development permit exemptions, visit

winnipeg.ca/developmentpermits

A development permit establishes land use and

confirms the structure is located on the property in

accordance with the zoning bylaw and other City

departments’ requirements.

A building permit confirms the structure meets code

requirements. Building permits must align with prior

development permit approvals.

Where development and/or building permits are

not required, the structure must be situated on

the property in accordance with the Zoning By-law

and constructed in accordance with the building

code. If the proposed detached garage or accessory

structure is to be built adjacent to a waterway, a

waterway permit and/or approval for development and

construction in a flood prone area may be required as

part of the permit process. For more information, see

the Construction Regulations along City Waterways

guide or contact Waterways at 204-986-5098.

2 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

Note

The Winnipeg Building By-law is primarily an administrative document that adopts the Manitoba Building

Code and related standards to provide construction requirements.

Throughout this publication, the Manitoba Building Code will be referred to as the building code.

Detached garages and accessory structures vary in size and area and it is beyond the scope of this

publication to deal with every possible situation. The requirements and construction guidelines that

follow are provided to assist you in designing and constructing a detached garage or accessory structure

that will comply with the regulations. If the nature of your project is different than that contained in this

publication and you are not familiar with the regulations that may be applicable, it is recommended that

you contact someone who is knowledgeable in this area.

Table of contents

Permit requirements ........................................................................................................................ 1

General information ......................................................................................................................... 3

Zoning ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Foundations ....................................................................................................................................... 4

Fire protection & framing ................................................................................................................ 5

Overhead door lintels ...................................................................................................................... 7

Rafters & trusses ................................................................................................................................ 9

Electrical requirements ................................................................................................................... 11

Inspections ....................................................................................................................................... 11

Appendix A ........................................................................................................................................ 12

3 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

General information

Carports

Development and building permits are required to

build a carport. Whether the carport stands alone or is

attached to another structure, all zoning and building

code regulations apply.

Construction plans are required for all carports and

need to include detailed information regarding roof

framing, posting and the posting foundations as well

as the size and construction of the beams over the top

of the posts.

Where the carport is attached to the house it must

comply with all regulations for house additions.

The zoning and building code regulations for house

additions are different from those contained in this

publication. Please contact Permits Direct Line at 204-

986-5140 for more information.

Property lines

You cannot rely on sidewalks, laneways or fences to

determine where your property line is located. The

only accurate way to determine your property line is

with a Manitoba Land Surveyor’s Staking Certificate. If

you do not have this certificate, you may need to retain

the services of a Manitoba Land Surveyor. This is the

best way to avoid property boundary disputes with

neighbours.

Zoning

Clearance requirements (setbacks)

The zoning bylaw has side yard regulations which,

together with the proposed width of the roof eaves,

will affect the location of the structure relative to

property lines.

In most cases, when a garage or storage shed is built

to the rear of the dwelling, it can come as close as 600

mm (2’-0”) to the side and rear property lines.

A garage or accessory structure located beside the

dwelling or on a reverse corner lot* require different

setbacks. See Figure 1.

Figure 1 - Property line setbacks

a. 600 mm (2’-0”)

b. 600 mm (2’-0”)

c. Same as dwelling (usually 1.2 m (4’-0”)

d. Same as dwelling (usually 2.7 m (9’-0”)

e. 1 m (3’-0”) clear of all projections

f. 18 m (60’-0”) to front property and behind rear

wall of dwelling

* A reverse corner lot is a corner lot where its rear property

line abuts the side lot line of an adjoining property.

A 300 mm (1’-0”) overhang is permitted within the

required setbacks from the property lines to the wall of

the garage, shed or carport posts. Eavestroughing may

be added to the permitted 300 mm (1’-0”) overhang.

Note: If a wider overhang is desired, the garage or

accessory structure wall must be set back further

from the property line in order to maintain a clear

separation of 300 mm (1’-0”) from the property line to

the eave as shown in Figure 2. In this example the 300

mm (1’-0”) overhang requires that the garage wall be

set back 600 mm (2’-0”) from the property line.

4 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

Figure 2 - Setback from overhang

Maximum permissible height

The maximum height allowable for a garage or

accessory structure is 4.0 m (13’-0”) determined

according to roof style as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 - Allowable roof heights

Maximum allowable height

4.0 m.

(13’-0”)

Example: On a 40 ft. X 100 ft. (4,000 sq. ft.) lot, up to

500 sq. ft (12.5 per cent of 4,000) of accessory

buildings may be constructed.

However, up to 45 m2 (484 sq. ft) of accessory

structures are permitted regardless of lot area.

Example: On a 25 ft. X 100 ft. (2,500 sq. ft.) lot,

the maximum of 484 sq. ft. would be allowable.

If these maximums are not adequate, you must apply

for a zoning variance.

Foundations

Foundation requirements – one-storey only

1. For a detached garage with a building area of

less than 50 m2 (538 sq. ft.), it is recommended

that a concrete slab with a thickness of not less

than 100 mm (4in) be used as shown in Figure 4a.

2. For a building area of 50 to 70 m2 (538 to 753

sq. ft.) inclusive, it is recommended that a

thickened edge concrete slab be used as

shown in Figure 4b.

3. For foundations other than those shown in

Figures 4a and 4b, or if the building area is

greater than 70 m2 (753 sq. ft.), or if the garage

supports an upper floor or a roof with other

than limited attic storage* floor area, the

foundation must be designed by an engineer.

*Attic storage shall be limited to 1,066 mm (3’-6”) in

height, 2,590 mm (8’-6”) in width and a 1.0 kPa (20 psf.)

storage live load. Storage can run the length of the

building.

Note: Where the slope of a gable, gambrel, or hip roof,

or any portion of such roof, is less than 1:3 (rise:run),

the building height shall be measured as though the

roof were flat.

Size limitations

Garages and accessory structures combined cannot

exceed 12.5 per cent of the total area of the lot to a

maximum of 81.75 m2 (880 sq. ft).

Minimum

Permitted

Distance

300 mm

(1’-0”)

300 mm

(1’-0”)

600

(2’-0”)

Flat

Mansard

Shanty

(Mono)

1/2

Gable*

or Hip*

Gambrel*

4.0 m.

(13’-0”)

Property

Line

Property

line

5 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

Earth

20 M bars top & bottom

continuous around perimeter

(required only in thickened

edge slab)

* 300 mm (12

in.)

100 mm (4 in.) compact gravel

* When supporting a limited roof

attic storage load, a thickened edge

is required on all four sides of the

concrete slab.

Figure 4 - Foundation for one-storey detached garages

Concrete specification

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Earth

Reinforcing steel 10 M @ 450 mm o.c. (18 in. o.c.) or

150 x 150 - P18/P18 wire mesh (6x6 - 6/6 wire mesh)

Reinforcing steel 10 M @ 450 mm o.c. (18 in. o.c.) or

150 x 150 - P18/P18 wire mesh (6x6 - 6/6 wire mesh)

20 M bars top & bottom

continuous around perimeter

100 mm (4 in.) compact gravel

* The thickened edge is required on

* 300 mm (12 in.)

all four sides of the concrete slab.

Concrete used for all detached garage or accessory

structure foundation slabs must have a minimum

compressive strength of 32 MPa (4600 psi) after 28 days

and must have air entrainment of 5 to 8 per cent.

Fire protection & framing

Fire ratings

You must fire-rate only those walls that are closer

than 600 mm (2’-0”) to any property line that faces an

adjoining property other than the street or public lane.

Note: The zoning bylaw may not allow a wall closer

than 600 mm (2’-0”) to a property line.

Required fire-ratings can be achieved by applying a

layer of 15.9 mm (5/8 in.) standard non-rated drywall

or 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) fire-rated (Type X) drywall or

equivalent to the inside face of the wall.

Where roof soffits project to less than 1.2 m (4’-0”) from

the property line, they shall be protected by approved

Additions to existing detached structures

For a garage, shed or carport addition to an existing

structure, the entire foundation, both the existing

and the addition, must comply with the foundation

requirements shown in Figures 4a and 4b or

alternatively, the foundation must be designed by an

engineer.

The details and standards in the publication are

considered non-engineered details and are based on

past good construction practice. Variations from these

design standards are only permitted where the design

is by an engineer. Some variations that will require an

engineer include:

1. Wood mudsill foundation and anchorage

details to prevent uplift due to wind.

2. Foundation slab that includes a curb of more

than 150 mm (6 in.) of retaining wall to hold

back the earth where the lot is not level.

3. Foundation slab that is greater than 70 m2

(753 sq. ft.)

4. Foundation slab that supports a second floor

or roof attic storage with a height of more

than 1,066 (3’-6”) and/or supports a load more

than 1.0 kPa (20 psf.).

materials.

Openings in walls

Windows and other openings, including doors, are

only permitted in a wall if the wall is 1.2 m (4’-0”) or

more from the property line of an adjoining property

other than the street or public lane.

There are no distance restrictions between wall

openings in a detached structure and a single-family

dwelling on the same lot.

Framing methods

The framing details described in this publication are

based on a one-storey wood-framed structure that

do not include any additional superimposed loads

and further design consideration may be required to

address these loads.

Framing methods must be in accordance with good

building practice. A detailed discussion of this aspect

of construction is beyond the scope of this publication.

However, some common framing details are indicated

on the following pages. Refer to Figures 5, 6 and 7, and

Tables 1 and 2.

* 300 mm (12

in.)

* 200 mm (8

in.)

150 mm (6 in.)

100 mm (4

in.)

6 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

For more detailed information, refer to Canada

Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s publications

Canadian Wood Frame House Construction and

Glossary of Housing Terms.

Where the structure will not be a standard wood frame

structure, such as post and beam, concrete block,

brick (including brick veneer), metal framing or where

the framing members exceeds what is prescribed in

this publication, the design must be engineered and

drawings must be submitted under the seal and of an

engineer.

Figure 5 - Wall framing and lintel detail

Figure 6 - Exterior corner detail

Corner Studs

This stud is optional, it is necessary

only if interior finish is being installed.

Bottom Plate

Figure 7 - Exterior wall framing at gable end detail

Notes to Figure 5:

1. Double top plate: Joints must be staggered at

least one stud spacing and lapped or suitably

tied at corners or intersecting walls.

2. Lintel: Refer to Table 1 to determine the size of

lintel required for the opening width you select.

3. Through stud: Refer to Table 2 to determine

the maximum spacing and maximum

unsupported height of studs.

4. Cripple stud: The building code requires these

studs to be a single full-length piece of lumber

extending from the underside of the lintel to

the bottom plate. Two cripples are required

on both sides of opening when opening is

greater than 3 m (9’-10”)

5. Single bottom plate: To prevent uplift, this

plate must be firmly anchored down using

a minimum 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) diameter anchor

bolts at each side of door openings, at each

end of each wall, and at intervals not exceeding

2.4 m (7’-10”).

Rafter

Stud

Double Top Plate

Table 1 - Wood lintel spans for windows and man doors

Size of lintels

Allowable spans

2 - 38 x 89 mm (2 - 2 x 4) 1.19 m (3’-11”)

2 - 38 x 140 mm (2 - 2 x 6) 1.79 m (5‘-10”)

2 - 38 x 184 mm (2 - 2 x 8)

2.18 m (7’-2“)

Notes to Table 1:

1. This table is for use with Spruce-Pine-Fir

lumber grades 1 and 2.

2. Built-up lintels must be constructed of full-

length members. No splicing of members is

permitted between supports.

7 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

Table 2 - Size and spacing of studs

Type of

wall

Supported loads

(including dead loads)

Minimum stud

size

Maximum stud

spacing

Maximum unsupported height

Exterior Roof with or without

attic storage

38 x 64 mm (2 x 3)

38 x 89 mm (2 x 4)

400 mm (16 in.)

600 mm (24 in.)

2.4 m (7’-10”)

3.0 m (9’-10”)

Note to Table 2:

This table is for use with all species of lumber and

minimum grades of standard, stud, and No. 2.

Overhead door lintels

The size of lintel required depends entirely upon

the load which it must support which, in this case, is

determined by the style of roof. See Tables 3 and 4.

How are the tables used in determining the required

overhead door lintel size?

If the roof style selected is Gable 1 as shown in Figure

8, then Table 3 is used to determine the lintel size. This

table is used where the door opening does not support

the roof (i.e. where the roof framing elements, such as

trusses or rafters, run parallel to the door opening).

Figure 8 - Roof style with lintel not supporting roof

framing

Notes to Table 3:

1. This table is for use with Spruce-Pine-Fir

lumber grades 1 and 2.

2. Built-up lintels must be constructed of full-

length members. No splicing of members is

permitted between supports.

If the roof type selected is as shown in Figure 9 (i.e.

gable 2, hip, mono, or flat) then Table 4 is used to

determine the lintel size. This table is used where the

lintel over the door opening supports the roof (i.e.

where the roof framing elements, such as trusses or

rafters, run perpendicular to the door opening).

To select a size of wood lintel simply match the door

opening size with the appropriate supported length in

Table 4 to find the minimum lintel size.

Figure 9 - Roof styles with lintel supporting roof framing

Direction of

roof framing

Lintel over

door opening

Gable 1

Wall supports

roof framing

Lintel over

door opening

Lintel over

door opening

Table 3 - Wood lintels - not supporting roof loads

Lintel over

door opening

Lintel over

door opening

Maximum door

opening width

Lintel - Gable roof only

(door in gable end)

2.44 m (8’-0”) 2 - 38 x 184 mm (2 - 2 x 8)

3.66 m (12’-0”) 2 - 38 x 235 mm (2 - 2 x 10)

4.27 m (14’-0”) 3 - 38 x 235 mm (3 - 2 x 10)

4.88 m (16’-0”)

3 - 38 x 235 mm (3 - 2 x 10)

5.49 m (18’-0”) 3 - 38 x 286 mm (3 - 2 x 12)

Gable 2

Hip

Mono

(Shanty)

Flat

(no upper deck)

8 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

Table 4 - Wood lintels – supporting roof loads

Supported length (see note 3 below)

Width of opening

(lintel span)

2.44 m (8’-0”) 3.05 m (10’-0”) 3.66 m (12’-0”) 4.27 m (14’-0”) 4.88 m (16’-0”)

2.44 m (8’-0”)

3 - 38 x 184mm

(3 - 2 x 8)

3 - 38 x 184mm

(3 - 2 x 8)

3 - 38 x 184mm

(3 - 2 x 8)

3 - 38 x 184mm

(3 - 2 x 8)

3 - 38 x 235mm

(3 - 2 x 10)

2.74 m (9’-0”)

3 - 38 x 184mm

(3 - 2 x 8)

3 - 38 x 184mm

(3 - 2 x 8)

3 - 38 x 184mm

(3 - 2 x 8)

3 - 38 x 235mm

(3 - 2 x 10)

3 - 38 x 235mm

(3 - 2 x 10)

3.05 m (10’-0”)

3 - 38 x 184mm

(3 - 2 x 8)

3 - 38 x 235mm

(3 - 2 x 10)

3 - 38 x 235mm

(3 - 2 x 10)

3 - 38 x 235mm

(3 - 2 x 10)

3 - 38 x 286mm

(3 - 2 x 12)

3.66 m (12’-0”)

3 - 38 x 235mm

(3 - 2 x 10)

3 - 38 x 235mm

(3 - 2 x 10)

3 - 38 x 286mm

(3 - 2 x 12)

4 - 38 x 286mm

(4 - 2 x 12)

4 - 38 x 286mm

(4 - 2 x 12)

4.27 m (14’-0”)

3 - 38 x 286mm

(3 - 2 x 12)

3 - 38 x 286mm

(3 - 2 x 12)

4 - 38 x 286mm

(4 - 2 x 12)

Design required by

engineer

Design required by

engineer

4.88 m (16’-0”)

3 - 38 x 286mm

(3 - 2 x 12)

4 - 38 x 286mm

(4 - 2 x 12)

Design required by

engineer

Design required by

engineer

Design required by

engineer

COL. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Notes to Table 4:

1. The lintels in this table are Spruce-Pine-Fir

lumber grades 1 and 2.

2. Built-up lintels must be constructed of full-

length members. No splicing of members is

permitted between supports.

3. Supported length means half the span of

trusses, roof joists, or rafters supported by the

lintel plus the length of the overhang beyond

the lintel (see Figure 10).

4. If the supported length is between the sizes

shown, use the column with the greater

depth. For garages or storage sheds with a

door width or supported length greater than

shown on the tables, consult an engineer.

5. The spans shown in the table are the clear

spans between the load bearing supports at

each end of the lintel. To find the total length

of lintel needed, add the two bearing lengths

of the support to the clear span.

6. The minimum bearing length of the support at

each end of the lintel must be 89 mm (3-1/2 in.).

7. Lintel sizes smaller than those shown on

these tables may be used provided the lintel

has been designed by an engineer and the

lintel design and calculations are submitted

and accepted.

8. The above noted lintels are not designed to

carry masonry or floors above the overhead

door. For these types of applications consult

an engineer.

9. The deflection limit for lintels was set at a

maximum 15 mm (0.6 in.) to ensure proper

closure of garage doors.

For Wood Lintel Substitutions, see Table 5.

Table 5 - Wood lintel substitutions

From Table

Structural Composite

Lumber (SCL)

3 - 2 x 8

2 - 1

3/4”

x 7

1/4”

2 - 2 x 10

2 - 1

3/4”

x 7

1/4”

3 - 2 x 10

2 - 1

3/4”

x 9

1/2”

2 - 2 x 12

2 - 1

3/4”

x 9

1/2”

3 - 2 x 12

3 - 1

3/4”

x 9

1/2”

4 - 2 x 12

2 - 1

3/4”

x 11

7/8”

9 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

Lintel

span (truss or rafter)

span /2

supported length

Notes to Table 5:

1. To be used in dry service conditions and

standard duration of load.

2. Working stress design properties:

Modulus of Elasticity 2.0 x 10 6 psi

Allowable Bending Stress 2800 psi

Allowable Shear Stress 250 psi (perpendicular

to glueline or wide face

of strand)

Allowable Bearing Stress 500 psi (parallel to

glueline or wide face

of strand)

Example

In order to select the correct size of lintel in cases

where it is supporting the roof, three pieces of

information are needed: size of the garage, width of

the overhead door opening, and

size of the roof

overhang.

Assume a 7.32 m x 7.32 m (24’-0” x 24’-0”) garage with

a 2.74 m (9’-0”) overhead door opening and a 600 mm

(2’-0”) overhang. Refer to Table 4.

Begin by selecting the row for a 2.74 m (9’-0”) overhead

door opening. Next, knowing that the supported

length will be half the distance of the roof span plus the

overhang (see Figure 10), we divide the 7.32 m (24’-0”)

roof span by 2 and add the 600 mm (2’-0”) roof overhang

to get the total supported length of 4.27 m (14’-0”).

Now looking along the table to column 5 where the

supported length is 4.27 m (14’-0”), we see that the

proper size of lintel would be 3 - 38 x 235 mm

(3 - 2 x 10). If there was no roof overhang over the

door opening, we would look to column 4 where the

supported length is 3.66 m (12’-0”). The correct lintel

size, in this case, would be 3 - 38 x 184 mm (3 - 2 x 8).

Figure 10 - Supported length of wood lintel

Rafters & trusses

Roof framing methods

In wood framing, there are basically three methods for

framing a roof. They are:

1. Framing with pre-manufactured trusses

Truss manufacturers and suppliers will

provide a truss framing plan (with layout

and bracing details) that must be followed

when installing the truss system. Note that

these cannot be cut, notched or altered

unless approved by the manufacturer.

2. Conventional framing

This is also known as stick framing. Figure 11

shows a typical cross section of a gable roof

and Table 6 indicates maximum rafter spans

for various species and sizes of rafters. Note

that Figure 11 makes use of collar ties as a

means of reducing a full rafter span into two

smaller spans. Collar ties can only be used in

this fashion when the roof slope is 1 in 3 or

greater.

If you are framing a roof containing hip or valley rafters,

the hip and/or valley rafters must be not less than 50

mm (2 in.) greater in depth than the common rafters

and not less than 38 mm (1-1/2 in.) in thickness.

Refer to the previously mentioned publication

available from Canada Mortgage and Housing

Corporation for further information on roof framing.

10 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

Table 6 - Roof rafter spans - rafter not supporting ceiling

Commercial

designation

Grade

Member size

(in.)

Rafter spacing

Member size

(mm)

Rafter spacing

12 in. 16 in. 24 in. 300 mm 400 mm 600 mm

ft.- in. ft.- in. ft.- in. m m m

2x4 9-4 8-6

5 38 x 89 2.86 2.59 2.27

Douglas

Fir

Larch

No. 1 and

No. 2

2x6

2x8

2x10

14-9

18-10

23-0

13-5

16-4

19-11

10-

13-

16-

38 x 140

38 x 184

38 x 235

4.49

5.74

7.02

4.08

4.97

6.08

3.34

4.06

4.96

2x12 26-9 23-2

18-

38 x 286

8.14 7.05 5.76

2x4 8-11 8-1 7-1 38 x 89 2.72 2.47 2.16

Spruce

Pine

Fir

No. 1 and

No.

2x6

2x8

2x10

14-0

18-5

23-7

12-9

16-9

21-5

11-2

14-6

17-8

38 x 140

38 x 184

38 x 235

4.28

5.62

7.18

3.89

5.11

6.52

3.40

4.41

5.39

2x1 28-8 25-2 20-6

38 x 286

8.74 7.66 6.25

Col. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Figure 11 - Roof rafter and collar ties for gable roof

rafter span without collar tie

Continuous tie if span of cross

In this case the value is 3.89 m (12’-9”). We now look at

the member size column to determine the size of rafter

needed. In this case it is a 38 x 184 mm (2 x 8 in.) rafter.

member (collar tie or ceiling

joints) exceeds 2.4 m (7’-10”)

rafter span

with collar tie

rafter span

with collar tie

This rafter size is the minimum size of rafter required

for the span of 3.36 m (11’-0”) for this particular gable

Minimum

roof slope

span of collar tie

cross member

tie joist to provide lateral support for wall studs

style roof.

If collar ties are permitted and are used, the required

span would be less than 3.36 m (11’-0”) and a smaller

member size could be looked up in the table.

Note to Table 6:

This table applies to roofs with a slope of 1 in 3 or

greater. Roof slopes of less than 1 in 3 are subject

to different loading conditions, e.g. adequate ridge

support must be provided.

Example

In order to select the correct rafter size for a 6.72 m x

6.72 m (12’-0” x 12’-0”) garage with a gable roof having

a slope of 1 in 3 or greater, with spruce rafters (without

collar ties) spaced 600 mm (24 in.) apart, we will

proceed as follows.

First, we must know the rafter span – the horizontal

distance from the outer edge of the wall to the peak of

the roof. In this example the distance is 6.72 m (22’-0”)

divided by 2 or 3.36 m (11’-0”).

Next, we look to Table 6 in the Spruce-Pine-Fir section

for a 600 mm (24 in.) rafter spacing for a dimension

that equals or exceeds 3.36 m (11’-0”).

3. Framing with homemade trusses

This is not recommended for complicated

roofs having complex angles or roofs having

hips and/or valley rafters. For simple gable

roofs, wood trusses must be constructed in

accordance with an accepted truss design.

Truss designs vary depending upon spans,

roof slope, etc. Before manufacturing your

own trusses, obtain an accepted truss design

drawing showing the span, the size of the

members, the size and thickness of the

plywood gussets, and the nailing patterns. Do

not copy truss designs used on other buildings.

These designs may be inadequate for your

application.

Alternatively, the truss may be designed by an

engineer.

11 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

Note: The use of gang nails (metal plates) in

manufacturing homemade trusses is not permitted.

These types of fasteners are only intended for use

under the design and quality control of a truss

manufacturer.

Edge support for roof sheathing

When using trusses or rafters at 600 mm (24 in.) spacings

with panel-type roof sheathing of less than 12.7 mm

(1/2 in.) thickness, support must be provided to all edges

of each roof sheathing panel including those that meet

at the ridge. This can be accomplished with the use of ‘H’

clips as shown in Figure 12 and/or solid blocking.

Figure 12 - ‘H’ clip detail

Additional code requirements

There are various other requirements concerning

framing, sheathing materials, sheathing paper, flashing,

siding, shingling, and stucco application, etc. Most

of these aspects of construction are dealt with in the

previously mentioned book Canadian Wood Frame

Construction or the current edition of the building code.

Electrical requirements

All detached garages and carports require an electrical

permit. Refer to winnipeg.ca/electricalinstallations

for

more information.

Inspections

The Housing Inspections Branch regulates construction

for compliance with applicable codes, standards and

bylaws. This monitoring is carried out through the

permit approval process and periodic site inspections.

The responsibility for compliance rests with the

property owner. Prior to covering any new work,

you must schedule an inspection by submitting the

housing inspection request form at

winnipeg.ca/housinginspection.

12 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

Appendix A

Permit applications requiring additional information

Listed below are certain instances where additional

information, including plans, may be required for a permit

application to build a detached accessory structure.

An asterisk (*) indicates situations where a design

(plans or letter) under seal of an engineer will also be

required.

Additional information for the construction of an

accessory structure will be required when:

1. The area of the new accessory structure’s

foundation will be greater than 70 sq. m.

(753 sq. ft.). * Note: Refer to the foundation

section for more information on the

foundation requirements for accessory

structures, including those for an addition to

an existing accessory structure.

2. The accessory structure will be supported on

wood mud- sills (e.g. no concrete floor). The

method of anchorage of the accessory

structure to the ground in order to prevent

wind uplift must be indicated. *

3. The foundation is to include retaining walls

(wood or concrete) in order to hold back earth

because the lot where the accessory structure

will be located is not level. Or other instances

where concrete walls higher than six inches

will be constructed on top of a slab. *

4. If the accessory structure will have an irregular

shape (i.e. not square or rectangular), beam

and foundation details may be required.

Engineering design may also be necessary.

5. The accessory structure will not be standard

wood frame construction. Any of several

alternative construction methods including:

post and beam, concrete block, brick

(including brick veneer) or metal frame

construction (including steel studs), must be

6. The wall height of the accessory structure will

be greater than 3.0 m (9’-10”). *

7. A steel lintel will be used instead of a wood

lintel for the overhead door of the accessory

structure.*

8. The roof of the accessory structure is to be

framed with “homemade” trusses. *In this case,

the design must be sealed by an engineer.

9. The accessory structure will have a gambrel or

a mansard roof type. *Plans will also be

required for a roof that has an octagonal or

similar circular shape.

10. The accessory structure will have attic storage

space. Plans will be required. *

11. A dormer will be constructed on the roof of

a new or existing accessory structure. Plans

will be required.

12. A beam will be located in the interior of an

accessory structure to support a roof with

slope of less than 1 in 3 or for support of hoist.

* (Or similarly, where an interior wall or

interior posts will provide support for the

structure. *)

13. A deck is to be located on the roof of a new

or existing accessory structure, such as a

detached garage. All building code

requirements for decks will have to be met.

Zoning requirements for building height

and location must also comply. Plans for

the entire structure, including the foundation,

will be required. The foundation design must

be determined to be adequate. *

14. The accessory structure will be two-storey.

In this case, plans for the entire structure,

including the foundation, will be required.

Additionally, the foundation design must be

engineered. *Zoning requirements for height

must also comply.

15. A detached accessory gazebo or similarly

occupied structure is to be located on top of

an existing deck. The plans must indicate the

design of the new gazebo. It must show how

the existing deck joists, beams and foundation

will provide proper support under the new

gazebo walls and will also anchor down the new

structure to prevent wind uplift.

13 City of Winnipeg | Planning, Property & Development | Detached Garages & Accessory Structures

16. Construction plans will be required for all

detached carports. Detailed information

must be provided on the roof framing, the

number of posts, the post foundation and the

size of the beams over top of the posts.

*Engineering may be required.

17. An accessory structure is to be constructed

adjacent to an “up and down” duplex.

Limiting distance calculations will be

required. The limiting distance calculations

are required in order to limit the spread of fire

between an accessory structure and dwellings

on the same property. The limiting distance

calculations will determine how close the

accessory structure can come to the dwelling

units and what materials can be used in the

construction of the accessory structure.

Construction plans will be required for this

type of accessory structure including

elevation drawings. The elevation drawings

must show window locations, type of

cladding (e.g. stucco, siding, etc.) and

dimensions of the wall facing the dwelling.

Information will also be required for the

wall of the dwelling that faces the accessory

structure. The information that will be

required for the dwelling wall includes an

elevation drawing showing: wall height, wall

width and area, type of wall construction

(e.g. wood frame), size of all windows in the

wall and type of wall cladding.

Notes:

In order to determine what the necessary limiting

distance requirements will be for your particular

project and provide the required plans, applicants are

advised to retain the services of an engineer, architect,

or other qualified person.

Other accessory structure construction designs that

are not specifically identified above may also require

additional information, including engineering. For

more information, contact plan examination at

ppd-[email protected].

Planning, Property & Development

Urbanisme, biens et aménagement

Zoning & Permits Branch

Unit 31 - 30 Fort Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4X7 | winnipeg.ca/ppd

Permits Direct Line

204-986-5140 | ppd-permit@winnipeg.ca

Updated: June 2024

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication. However, in the event of a discrepancy

between this publication and the governing City of Winnipeg By-law, the bylaw will take precedence.