Additions and Enclosures

A Building Permit is always required for residential addition or enclosure projects. You may also require a Development Permit, depending on the specifics of your home and lot, and the size of your addition or enclosure.

icons of building projects

Examples of residential additions and enclosures
  • Deck/patio enclosure
  • Room addition (addition to an exterior wall)
  • Attached sunroom
  • Attached garage
  • Attached carport
  • Carport enclosure (conversion to garage)
  • Breezeway enclosure
  • Bay window addition

What permits do I need?

A Development Permit is required when:

  • Expanding floor space by modifying an existing exterior wall
  • Converting a deck or verandah to year-round living space
  • Adding a story to an existing building
  • Adding an attached garage
  • Enclosing a carport (conversion to garage)
  • Doing other types of addition projects

For more information about development permits, visit:

Development Permits

A development permit must be approved before applying for building and trade permits.

A Building Permit is required for any addition or enclosure project.

For more information about building permits, visit:

Building Permits

Trade permits

Trade permits may be required if the proposed project involves specific considerations:

  • Electrical Permit: for installing or modifying electrical systems, including moving lights or outlets.
  • Gas Permit: for installing, modifying or adding to any gas system.
  • Plumbing Permit: for installing or modifying plumbing systems or any plumbing equipment.
  • Mechanical Permit: for installing or modifying heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

For more information about trade permits, visit:

Trade Permits

Do it yourself

As a homeowner, you are able to get homeowner's permits for limited scope of work involving plumbing, electrical, gas and mechanical. To be eligible to apply for homeowner's permits:

  • You must be doing the work yourself
  • You must own and live in the home
  • You must be capable of performing the work in accordance with the Safety Codes Act
  • It must be a single family home (not a condo building or other multi-unit development)

Depending on the homeowner's permit you are applying for, other restrictions may apply. To learn more, visit:

Homeowner Trade Permits

How to Apply

Online

Apply online

New to ePermit?
See user guide

Need assistance?

  • We can help you apply online. Contact us by email or phone 403-529-8374.
  • Or visit us in person (Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm):
    Planning & Development Services
    2nd floor, City Hall
    580 1st Street SE, Medicine Hat

  • Whether you apply online or in person, additional documents such as a site plan will be needed. Other requirements will vary by type of project, such as floor plans, elevation plans, construction details and owner consent. If you have questions about the specific documents needed for your application, we can provide guidance.

Payment Methods

Online:

  • Visa or Mastercard

In-person:

  • Debit
  • Cash
  • Cheque
  • Visa or Mastercard

Mail:

  • Cheque

Fees and Charges

How long will it take to approve permits?

  • Development permits: Timelines vary based on application type and the impact to the community.
  • Building permits: Typically less than 6 business days, provided that an approved development permit (if required) has been released.

Rules and Requirements

Size and location

Planning regulations (such as the Land Use Bylaw) lay out details such as:

  • The type of development which is allowed in various land use districts (zones)
  • The amount of area on a lot that buildings can cover (site coverage)
  • The required distances from property lines and other structures (setbacks)
  • How high a building can be in various land use districts (elevation)
  • The restriction of building structures over gas lines or other utilities (UROWs)

For specific information about your property and your planned addition or enclosure project, contact a Planning or Development Officer.

To learn more about the land use regulations for your property, visit Zoning.

Construction

The Alberta Building Code regulates the construction and safety of structures. Construction details of additions and enclosures are assessed and approved based on these provincial regulations.

There are a wide variety of types of residential addition and enclosure projects. For specific construction requirements related to your planned project, contact us.

Line Locates

When planning your project, it is important to know where utilities are located on your property. Locates are free of charge but require three days notice.

To obtain line locates, visit:

Line locates

Inspections

Inspections are required for additions and enclosures projects. At the discretion of the Safety Codes Officer, most projects require rough-in and final inspections, depending on the complexity of the project.

Book online

To book an inspection online, use one of the following options. Do not apply with both:

Web form  OR  ePermit

Please review this user guide before booking with ePermit.