Building a Detached Garage
A Guide through the Process
The purpose of this handout is to help you prepare an acceptable building permit application
package for a detached garage or similar accessory building in the City of Prince George.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR A BUILDING PERMIT
A current Title Search (less than 30 days)
Also a copy (if applicable) of any of the following:
 Right of ways on the property
 Easements
 Covenants (under Section 219 of the Land Title Act)
 Land Use Contract
Submit two sets of drawings consisting of:
 Foundation
 Floor plans
 Cross-sections
 Elevations
 Engineered truss details
Submit a site plan showing:
 Property line dimensions
 Building placement with setbacks from building to property line
 Building dimensions and height
 Drainage arrows
 Location of other structures on site
 Street and/or laneways
 Driveways
 Address
 A North arrow
Indicate all materials and measurements of the proposed garage. The more complete your drawings
are the faster your building permit will be approved.
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Do I need a building permit for a garage or accessory building?
YES. You must obtain a building permit for a garage (attached or detached, carport and
accessory buildings) if it is more than 108 sq. ft. If you are constructing an accessory
building of less than 108 sq. ft., and it does not create a hazard, a building permit is not
required but you must comply with the zoning bylaw.
Doc#293808
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT, Community Planning Division, 1100 Patricia Blvd., Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
` P: 250.561.7611 | f: 250.561.7721 | www.princegeorge.ca
` 2. Are there any restrictions regarding setbacks?
YES. There are restrictions in the Zoning Bylaw. You are
required to confirm the setbacks with the Current Planning
and Development Division. Please see the attached examples of the most common
circumstances
3. Can I build an accessory building that is two storeys?
NO. Detached garages and accessory buildings can only be one storey in height to a
maximum of:
20.0 m
15.0 m
6.0 m
5.0 m
AF zone
AR1 zone
AG, AR2 and AR3 zones
RS1 to RS4, RT1 to RT3, and RM1 to RM7
4. Is there a maximum size for an accessory building in certain zones?
Yes. Certain zones have maximum size requirements. Please see below:
RS1 to RS4, and RT1 to RT2 zones - the total combined gross floor areas of accessory
buildings and structures on a site shall not exceed the greater of 50% of the ground floor
area of the principal building on the site or 90.0 m2.
RS3 - the total combined gross floor areas of accessory buildings and structures on a site
shall not exceed the greater of 50% of the ground floor area of the principal building on
the site or 70.0 m2.
RS4 - the total combined gross floor areas of accessory buildings and structures on a site
shall not exceed the greater of 50% of the ground floor area of the principal building on
the site or 60.0 m2.
RT3 - indicates buildings located on common property are not accessory buildings and
need to comply with the provisions for principal buildings.
Please talk to a planner in the Current Planning & Development Division for more
information.
5. Am I required to insulate and finish the interior of the detached garage?
No, only if you prefer to do so.
6. Do I need to place poly under my garage slab?
No, but poly placed between the ground and concrete will keep water from draining out of
the fresh concrete while it is setting, giving you a stronger slab.
7. Can I build a detached garage on a floating slab?
Yes, you can build a detached garage or accessory building on a floating slab only if the area
is less than 592 sq. ft. (about 24' x 24'). Larger buildings must be supported by a 4' deep
frost wall on strip footings or have an engineered foundation. The maximum size of a
detached garage or accessory building in a UR or SRS zoned property is 969 sq. ft. (about
30'x 32').
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT, Community Planning Division, 1100 Patricia Blvd., Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
P: 250.561.7611 | f: 250.561.7721
| www.princegeorge.ca
` SETBACK
KS FOR INTTERIOR LO
OTS
P
Principal building WITH ca
arport/garage
e or lane acccess
Front:
4.5m (15 ft)
Side:
1.2m (4 ft)
Rear:
6.0m (20 ft)
A
Accessory building
Side:
1.2m (4 ft)
Rear:
1.2m (4 ft)
F
For new additions and accessory
b
buildings, a le
egal survey certificate
c
is
n
not necessary
ry if the 1.2 m (4ft) setbacck is
in
ncreased by 50%
P
Principal building WITHOU
UT carport/ga
arage or lane
e access
Front:
4.5m (15 ft)
Side:
1.2m (4 ft) one sid
de and
4.5m (15 ft) other side
Rear:
6.0m (20 ft)
A
Accessory building
1.2m (4 ft)
Side:
1.2m (4 ft)
Rear:
P
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
T DEPARTMENTT, Community Planning Division
n, 1100 Patricia
a Blvd., Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
P
P: 250.561.761
11 | f: 250.561
1.7721 | www.p
princegeorge.ca
a
` SETBACKS FOR CORNER LOTS
Principal building WITH carport/garage or lane access
Front:
4.5m (15 ft)
Side:
1.2m (4 ft) Interior
3.0m (10 ft) Exterior
Rear:
6.0m (20 ft)
Accessory building
Side:
1.2m (4 ft) Interior
3.0m (10 ft) Exterior
Rear:
1.2m (4 ft)
Principal building WITHOUT carport/garage or lane access
Front:
Side:
Rear:
4.5m (15 ft)
1.2m (4 ft) Interior
6.0m (20 ft) Exterior
OR
4.5m (15 ft) Interior
3.0m (10 ft) Exterior
6.0m (20 ft)
Accessory Building
Side:
1.2m (4 ft) Interior
3.0m (10 ft) Exterior
Rear:
1.2m (4 ft)
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT, Community Planning Division, 1100 Patricia Blvd., Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
P: 250.561.7611 | f: 250.561.7721
| www.princegeorge.ca
` The attacched sample drawings are
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P
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
T DEPARTMENTT, Community Planning Division
n, 1100 Patricia
a Blvd., Prince G
George, BC V2L 3V9
P
P: 250.561.761
11 | f: 250.561
1.7721 | www.p
princegeorge.ca
a