Do you need a permit for a shed in Sherbrooke?

The rules, in short

• At most 2 accessory buildings per lot (plus a gazebo and a shelter for wheeled bins). (art. 4.1.6, "Residential" table)
• Lot under 3,000 m² in an urban zone: accessory buildings together at most 70 m², without exceeding the house's footprint (115 m² on a lot of 3,000 m² or more). (art. 4.1.6, "Residential" table)
• Maximum height 7.5 m, without exceeding the height of the house. (art. 4.1.6, "Residential" table)
• At least 0.9 m from the lot lines and 0.9 m from the house (no distance from the shared line if joined to the neighbour's, same building). (art. 4.1.6, "Residential" table)
• Allowed in the rear and side yards and setbacks and in the secondary front yard; in rural, forest, agricultural and approved residential project zones, also in the front yard. (art. 4.1.6, 1) and 3))
• A container or a vehicle cannot be used as a shed, except a container covered with siding and a roof sloped at least 3/12. (art. 4.1.6)

Summary by Radar Foncier, in our own words: the official French text of the by-law, linked above, prevails.

Applying in Sherbrooke

• Processing time: Permit issued in 30 minutes at an in-person appointment if the documents are complete (pool, accessory building); no processing time published for other methods
• Cost: Accessory building (residential): $76.25 for $0 to $5,000 of work, plus $2.50 per additional $1,000; other permits and certificates under By-law 1202
• Urban planning department: Borough inspectors' offices (e.g. Des Nations borough, 731 Galt Street West, suite 200: 819 821-5905)
• Permits on the municipality's website