Fireplaces

Gas burning

A natural gas connection provides the gas fuel for the flame. Consists of a firebox, vent, gas line and electrical connection. There are a variety of efficiencies of models; some can produce a heat equivalent to wood-burning. Gas fireplaces start and extinguish via an electric switch, and do not produce ash residue.

• Gas and electric permits required.

Solid-fuel burning

These are wood burning fireplaces and appliances. Requires a chimney and regular cleaning. Types include traditional fireplaces, stoves, ranges and space heaters. Energy efficiency is very low. Due to high fire safety risk from hot embers, there are strict safety regulations for installation.

• Building permit is required.
• A gas permit required if a gas ignitor is included.

Ethanol burning

Appliances which use ethanol (liquid or gel) to provide fuel for the flame. Ethanol (or bioethanol) must be refilled with use and is highly flammable. Although it does not require venting or a chimney, safety precautions must be taken. Often portable, there are a variety of styles, but are more decorative than functional. Not recommended for use for more than one hour.

• No permit is required.

Electric

Appliances which produce a simulated fire effect and usually include an electric-powered heating element. May be free-standing, wall-mounted or fashioned to insert into the opening of a traditional fireplace. Does not require venting or a chimney. May be designed to plug into a household electrical outlet, or designed to be direct-wired.

• Electric permit is required if the electric fireplace is designed for hard-wired installation, or if a new electrical outlet will be installed.

What permits do I need?

Building permit

A building permit is required for installing a wood burning fireplace or wood-burning appliance.

For more information, visit:

Building Permits

Gas permit or electrical permit

A gas permit is required for installing any gas fireplace or wood fireplace with a gas ignitor.

An electrical permit is required if there are any electrical services included with the fireplace (i.e., starter).

For more information about gas or electrical 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

Online

Apply online

New to ePermit?
See user guide

Need assistance?

• We can help you with our online application. 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 may be needed such as floor plan and construction details. If you have questions about the specific documents needed for your application, we can provide guidance.

Payment Methods

Online or phone:

• Visa or Mastercard

In-person:

• Debit
• Cash
• Cheque
• Visa or Mastercard

Mail:

• Cheque

Fees and charges 

Inspections

Inspections are required for most fireplace 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.

Risks when permits are not obtained

By not obtaining permits for work done on your home, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to potential future legal and financial issues when selling your property or making an insurance claim. There could also be consequences if you do not correct the situation, such as:

• Enforcement action issued by a Safety Codes Officer.
• A fine for building without a permit.
• Having to undo work that has been completed.
• Future legal and financial issues when selling your property or making an insurance claim.
• Having to do more work than was originally planned and budgeted, to fix deficiencies.
• Potential liability to you, the homeowner, in the event of an accident.

As a homeowner, you are responsible for paying any penalties, even if you hired a contractor who assured you that permits were not required.