Do I need a permit for a shed pad in Fredericton NB?

In most cases, you do not need a building permit for a concrete shed pad in Fredericton, provided the shed itself meets the exemption threshold — but the rules involve both the pad and the structure being built on it, and getting this wrong can create headaches when you sell your home. The permit requirement in New Brunswick is typically tied to the shed, not the concrete pad alone.

The City of Fredericton's general rule follows the NB building code framework: accessory structures (sheds, garages, workshops) under 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet) typically do not require a building permit. A standard 10x10 shed (100 sq ft) falls under this threshold; a 12x12 (144 sq ft) or larger does not. If the shed requires a permit, inspectors will want to see the foundation/pad as part of the inspection process.

The concrete pad itself, used purely as a base for a permitted or exempt shed, is not independently permit-required in most NB municipalities when you're staying within the standard exemption limits. Replacing or pouring a simple slab on grade for a small shed is generally treated the same as pouring a driveway or patio — it falls outside the permit framework unless it's supporting a structure that itself requires a permit.

What does matter even without a formal permit is setback compliance. In Fredericton, accessory structures must maintain minimum distances from property lines — typically 0.6 metres (about 2 feet) from rear and side lot lines for small sheds, though this varies by zone. Placing a shed pad too close to a property line can result in a bylaw complaint from neighbours or a required removal if discovered. Check Fredericton's zoning bylaw or call the City's Development Services office (506-460-2068) to confirm the setback requirement for your specific property zone before pouring.

Practical advice for Fredericton homeowners: call the City before you pour, even if you believe no permit is needed. A five-minute phone call to the Development Services department will give you a definitive answer for your specific address and shed size, and creates a record that you checked — useful if questions arise later. Inspectors are generally helpful at this stage and far less so after the concrete is poured in the wrong location.

For the pad itself, a 4-inch concrete slab on a 4-inch compacted gravel base is standard for a residential shed in Fredericton. Air-entrained mix (25 MPa) is appropriate — the shed will not fully protect the slab from frost and freeze-thaw effects at the perimeter. New Brunswick Concrete can connect you with local contractors who handle shed pads throughout the Fredericton area.