Small Cabin Building Permit - Do You Need One?
Most municipalities will allow you to construct a structure (small cabin, shed, veranda, gazebo, etc.) under certain size without requiring a construction/building permit. The typically size limit is 100 sq. feet (or 10 sq. meters = 107.639104 sq. feet).In other words, if your cabin is 100 sq. ft. or less you generally don't need any building permit. For waterfront properties, some municipalities have specific regulations regarding structures built near water - for example, a minimum required distance between your cabin structure and a "high water mark". There could be other restrictions if your area is considered as environmentally sensitive. Usually there is a minimum distance required between your structure and the property edge. Check your local municipality regulations and clarify what are the exact requirements in your particular area.
Keep in mind it is almost certain that your property taxes will go higher if you apply for a building permit and construct you cabin structure accordingly. You may also to be required to build a larger cabin structure than you may need for your recreational purposes.The utility hookups will be required as well, leading to another set of monthly bills.
The bottom line: You need to decide between two options – stay within no-permit limits (100 sq ft in most cases), or go for the permit and build a larger more expensive cabin. Your choice will depend on your intended use of the properly, personal likeness and municipal regulatory requirements. Here are some building permit related summary points to consider:
| Criteria | No Permit Route | With Permit Route |
|---|---|---|
| Initial construction costs - materials, labor, paperwork | Low | High |
| Ongoing costs - property taxes, utility bills, etc. | Low | High, paying for services used occasionally |
| Flexibility in cabin size | Limited | Not limited |
| Requires professional help (i.e. certified workmanship - electrician, plumber, etc.) | No (optional) | Yes |
| Reasonable undertaking do build cabin on your own (generally) | Yes | No |
| Off-grid option vs. utility hookup | Your choice | Full hookup is required in most cases |
Tip:Two other points:
If you decide going with no-permit route, the use of the property should be stated as occasional recreational (sometimes it's a section in legal papers).
- Later I can construct multiple smaller size structures to provide more pleasant and functional like-home recreational environment.
(Although I believe there is a minimum space requirement between structures for them to be considered separate).
See later section on choice of Other / Auxiliary Cabin Structures. - Consider building your small cabin in a way and in location where, if you later decide to extend the structure, your existing cabin will become a natural part of the new larger structure.
For example, the small cabin you built first will become a bedroom in a larger cabin or cottage.