Renovations and Basements

If you intend to increase the square footage of your home by building an addition onto an exterior wall, apply by visiting:

Additions and Enclosures

Secondary kitchen

A secondary kitchen is an interior kitchen in a home that is physically separate from the main kitchen, for personal use. It has facilities for storing, preparing, and cooking food. If you intend to create or renovate a secondary kitchen, the information on this page is applicable.

It is not allowed to use a secondary kitchen as part of a self-contained suite without first obtaining approvals for the development of a secondary suite.

Secondary suite

A secondary suite is a self-contained dwelling unit within a single detached house; sometimes called a basement suite. If you intend to create or renovate a secondary suite, regulations are more specific. Apply by visiting:

Secondary and Backyard Suites

Home-based businesses

If you intend to do interior renovations related to a home-based business, there are additional considerations. Learn more by visiting:

Home Businesses

A development permit is required when:

• Your proposed renovation involves an increase to the gross floor area (an addition), or
• Your proposed renovation is to add or modify a secondary suite in the home, or
• Your proposed renovation is related to a home-based business.

To learn more about development permits, visit:

Development Permits

Before applying for building and trade permits, you must apply for a Development Permit.

Building permit

A building permit is always required for any new development or alteration/renovation to existing development, unless the project involves only:

• Cosmetic changes such as painting, decorating, patching drywall and other similar minor repairs of interior finishes, or
• Replacement of interior cabinetry (provided that regulated clearances are maintained from stoves), or
• Floor finishing (carpet, vinyl, tile, hardwood), as long as the structural elements of the floor are not altered, and
• The construction value of the work is less than $5000.00.

To learn more about building permits, visit:

Building Permits

Trade permits

Trade permits are required if your planned project involves specific considerations, such as:

• 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. Not required for the replacement of existing plumbing fixtures.
• Mechanical Permit: for installing or modifying heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

To learn more about trades 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 multi-unit building, etc.)

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 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 will be needed such as site plan, elevation plans, floor plans and utility line information. If you have questions about the specific documents needed for your application, we can provide guidance.

Payment methods

Online:

• Visa
• Mastercard

In-person:

• Debit
• Cash
• Cheque
• Visa
• Mastercard

Mail:

• Cheque

Fees and Charges

Line locates

Line locates are typically not required prior to doing interior renovations.

To learn more about locating underground utilities, visit:

Line locates

Inspections

Inspections are required for most interior renovation 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.