Under the Safety Codes Act, you are required to obtain a building permit before beginning work on buildings covered by relevant codes. This includes the Alberta Building and Fire Codes, the Canadian Electrical Code, the Gas Codes and the National Plumbing Code.
If you are planning work, there may be additional, specific circumstances to consider. We encourage you to contact Permits and Inspections to discuss your project before beginning any work. For quick reference, refer to the lists below for what work does and does not require a permit.
new house
new commercial building
addition to an existing house
addition to an existing commercial building
installing new cladding on existing commercial buildings
structural repairs to buildings
basement developments
secondary suites
roof over a deck
decks with the top of the floor at or above 600mm (24”) (measured from anywhere on the proposed deck to grade)
detached garages, sheds or accessory buildings 10m2 (107 sq. ft.) or greater in area
exterior renovations (e.g. adding new windows or doors in an exterior wall or foundation if the width is increased)
interior renovations other than basement developments (ex: moving kitchen ventilation, moving bearing walls, adding a new washroom or bedroom)
demolition (e.g. house, detached garage, commercial building etc.)
hot tubs
stairs over 3 risers
retaining wall 1.2m (4’) or more in height (measured grade to grade)
moving/adding plumbing drains
adding/altering electrical circuits or wiring
adding/altering to existing gas lines
furnace replacement
hot water tank replacement (natural draft to direct vent)
hydronic heating installation
fire alarm modifications or new installs
fire suppression installs
changes of use in commercial tenant bays
foundation repair/stabilization
interior renovations to commercial bays
major HVAC alterations
new gas or solid fuel fired appliances
Please note that this is just an overview list, other projects that require permits may not be on this list
fences (a development permit is required if you plan to build a fence greater than two metres in height)
ground level landscaping (driveway replacement or walkway)
replacing roofing on a house or garage
replacing the siding on a house or garage
privacy screens
pergolas (must not support any snow loads (no solid rood) and no enclosed sides)
If your deck measures at or above 600 mm (24"), a safety codes officer works with you to ensure handrails, guardrails and stairs or ramps meet code requirements.
floor plans/layouts showing what is being proposed as well as what business types neighbour the tenant bay that is being renovated
any structural work, major building envelope alterations or major HVAC changes will require details to be stamped by professional (when applicable)
depending on the scope of work and tenant area, professional involvement may be required. (drawings to bear the stamps of an Architect and/or Engineers). *Please refer to Volume 1, Division C, Article 2.4 of the Alberta Building Code to determine if professional involvement is required for your project*
stamped and signed A schedules and B schedules to be submitted when professional involvement is required (when applicable)
stamped fire suppression and fire alarm drawings (when applicable)
an issued “Notice of Decision” development permit (when applicable)
New home and residential addition require the following information:
new homes only: a building grade form (provided to you by the developer)
new homes only: approved new home warranty
all roof and floor layouts
all applicable engineering where specific details exceed the limits of the Alberta Building Code, e.g., tall wall, lateral bracing for foundation walls, masonry supported by wood frame, etc.
9.36 Project Summary Form and all architectural details related to the Energy Codes to be provided in drawing package. Energy model reports to be submitted as well, if the Performance Compliance Path is selected.
