Building an addition?
If you intend to increase the square footage of your home by building an addition onto an exterior wall, visit this page for full information about this type of project:
Renovations & Basements
This info will guide you through the permits required for interior residential renovation projects and basement finishing.
Before starting a project, it is important to first obtain the necessary permits, to avoid incurring extra costs to fix deficiencies.
Secondary kitchens and secondary suites
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:
If your home is a part of a condominium association, check your condo bylaws or ask the condo board about your renovation plans before you apply for permits.
If you intend to do interior renovations related to a home-based business, there are additional considerations. Learn more by visiting:
What permits do I need?
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, visit Development Permits
Before applying for building and trade permits, you must apply for a Development Permit.
A building permit is required for any new development or alteration/renovation.
However, if the project involves only the following, a building permit is not required:
- 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, visit Building 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, visit Trade Permits
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
How to Apply
New to ePermit?
See user guide
We can help you apply online. Contact us by email or phone (403) 529-8374.
Online:
- Visa or Mastercard
In-person:
- Debit
- Cash
- Cheque
- Visa or Mastercard
Mail:
- Cheque
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 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 are typically not required prior to doing interior renovations.
To learn more about locating underground utilities, visit Line locates
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.
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