Homeowner Trade Permits

A homeowner's trade permit is authorization from The City to perform a limited scope of electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical (HVAC) work in the applicant's own home.

To learn more about the requirements for common home renovation projects, visit Home Improvement or contact Planning & Development Services.

If you are a licensed contractor and require a plumbing, gas, electrical or mechanical permit, visit the Contractor Zone.

Eligibility and limitations

To be eligible for homeowner trade permits:

  • You must be doing the work yourself
  • You must legally own the home and live there
  • You must be capable of performing the work in accordance with applicable safety regulations
  • It must be a detached home (not a condo building or other multi-unit development)
  • You must not be doing work in a dwelling unit that you do not live in (e.g. basement suite)

 

If you have no previous knowledge or experience with the type of work you intend to do, your best option is to hire a licensed contractor.

 

Homeowner electrical permits

For safety reasons, a homeowners electrical permit does not allow:
  • Installation or modification of the main electrical service, including the main panel, main breaker and the meter base
  • Electrical work requiring other than standard wiring materials
  • Work on systems over 100 amperes in capacity
  • Work on a three phase electrical system
  • Work on systems over 150 volts to ground
  • Electrical work involving a hot tub or swimming pool

A guide is available for homeowners doing their own electrical wiring work. See below:

Homeowner electrical guide 

Homeowner gas permits

Homeowners gas permits are only issued for individuals who are qualified gasfitters.

If you are not a trained gasfitter, you must hire a licensed gasfitter who is eligible to receive gas permits.

Gasfitters are properly trained in the installation, operation and maintenance of gas services.

 

How to Apply

Online

To apply online for a Homeowner Trade Permit, click below:

Apply online

New to ePermit?
See user guide

We can help you apply online. Contact us by email or phone (403) 529-8374.

Payment Methods

Online:

  • Visa or Mastercard

In-person:

  • Debit
  • Cash
  • Cheque
  • Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard)

Mail:

  • Cheque

List of fees

Did you recently purchase your home?

If you have recently purchased the property you intend to work on, the title may have not yet transferred to you. This can delay your application for a homeowner trade permit. If you are unsure, have a copy of your purchase agreement to show proof of ownership when you apply.

How long will it take to approve permits?

  • Building permits: Typically within 15 business days, provided that an approved Development permit (if required) has been issued. The timeline of a Building permit application will increase if amendments or resubmissions are needed from the applicant.
  • Trade permits: Typically within 5 business days, provided the associated Building permit (if required) has been issued.

Line Locates

Utility Safety PartnersFor many projects, it is important to find out where the utility lines are. We will ask you for line locates when you apply for some City permits. Locates are free of charge but require three days notice.

Line locates

Contact Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta One-Call) to obtain:

  • Line locates ticket indicating City of Medicine Hat services (water, sewer, gas, electric), and
  • Utility locate slips from other Utility Safety Partners

Shaw line locates are only available from Shaw Communications. While recommended, the City does not require line locates for telecom companies such as Telus, Shaw or Bell.

Inspections

To book required inspections for construction work, visit:

Inspections

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.

Extending a permit

Permits have an expiry date. If you have already received a City permit for building, plumbing, electrical, gas or HVAC work, but are not able to complete the work during the time period, you may apply online for an extension of your permit.

  • You cannot extend a permit that has already expired.
  • You cannot extend a permit more than once.
  • You cannot extend a permit more than one year beyond the original expiration date.

Apply to extend a permit