CANADA, March 11 - Beginning March 11, Prince Edward Island residents looking to build accessory structures like decks or sheds on their property can receive permit approval instantly.

A permit is mandatory for building or developing on PEI because it ensures that a structure is planned, designed and constructed safely and in compliance with provincial regulations.

“We want to make our permitting processes as easy and efficient for residents while ensuring developments are safe. This is the first step in our plan to provide approval instantly for straightforward and routine permits. We will continue to look at ways we can streamline provincial permitting to ensure developments are able to move forward in a timely manner.”

- Housing, Land and Communities Minister Rob Lantz

People can apply online or in person through a permit coordinator at one of the four provincial land offices. Applications for instant permits will be accepted after all required information is submitted and the $100 fee is paid. Permits are valid for 24 months. 

Instant permits only apply to permits obtained through the Government of Prince Edward Island.

Media contact:
April Gallant
Department of Housing, Land and Communities
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder: 

Decks must:

• Be 592 square feet (55 square metres) or less 
• Be 24 inches (0.6 metres) or less above ground
• Not support a structure such as a roof or second storey deck
• Be exempt from requiring a permit under the Building Codes Act Regulations
• Be used in conjunction with an existing residential dwelling
• Not include patio stones, asphalt or concrete pavers, or docks

Sheds must:

• Be 215 square feet (20 square metres) or less in total floor area
• Be exempt from requiring a permit under the Building Codes Act Regulations
• Not be used for human occupancy in any manner or form
• Not be connected to heating, electrical and/or plumbing services
• Not be rented or leased out
• Not include a car port, pergola, gazebo, dog house, trellis, or arbour