New House Construction

What permits do I need?

Development Permit

A development permit is a required first step before building a new home, situating a manufactured home, demolishing some buildings, as well as most other types of development.

For more information, visit:

Development Permits

A Development Permit must be approved before applying for Building and Trade Permits.

Building Permit

A building permit is required before building a new home. The building permit plans are compared to the approved development permit plans, and it is your responsibility to ensure the plans match.

• If a detached garage is also being built, a separate application must be submitted.
• If a driveway is part of the house design, a City approvals may be required under certain circumstances.
• If there is an existing property to be demolished or removed, a demolition permit must be obtained before a building permit application for new construction can be submitted.

For more information, visit:

Building Permits

Trade Permits

Trades permits are required for each applicable sub-trade (plumbing, gas, electrical, HVAC) in the construction of a new home. Each type of work will be inspected individually.

For more information, visit:

Trade permits

Online

To apply online for greenfield development, use one of the following options (do not apply with both):

Web form  OR  ePermit

Please refer to this user guide before applying with ePermit.

In Person

1. Determine which application(s) you need. You can then download checklists and forms to complete them, or come in person to Planning and Development Services and we will assist you.
2. Have drawings ready: Site plan, elevation plan, floor plans.
   May be required: Floor joist and roof truss drawings.
3. Have utility locate slips: These show the location of underground and overhead utilities, such as gas and cable lines. See line locates below.
4. Bring all required documents specified in the forms below and apply in person at Planning and Development Services.

Required forms:

• House/Duplex Development Permit Application (greenfield)
• New construction/additions Building Permit Checklist
• Residential Building Permit Application
• Fast Track Building Permit Application (must be submitted with ePermit)

Payment Methods

Online or phone:

Visa or Mastercard

In-person:

• Debit
• Cash
• Cheque
• Visa or Mastercard

Mail:

• Cheque

Fees and Charges

Line Locates

It is important to find out where the utility lines are. We will ask you for line locates when you apply for 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 tickets 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

If a Building Permit was required for your project, then you must book a City inspection. 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.

Book by Phone

Phone 403-529-8208 (automated inspection request line)

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.