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General | Building | Electrical | Plumbing & Gas | PSDS

General

How do I apply?
Check the Municipal Listings. Permits directed to IJD Inspections can be faxed, mailed or dropped off at our Red Deer office.

What are the permit fees?
Please contact IJD Inspections for current rates. Permit fees include all costs associated with the permitting and inspection process. Permits are GST exempt.

What types of permits might I need?
Types of permits include Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Gas, and Private Sewage Disposal.

The Alberta Safety Codes Act requires that installations of electrical, gas, and plumbing (including private sewage disposal systems) be covered under permit and that they must be inspected.

I am building a new house and the Municipality has issued the development permit, do I need any other permits?
In addition to the development permit, all other permits are required such as building, electrical, gas, plumbing and private sewage permits. These permits ensure that your construction is done in accordance with Provincial codes and the Safety Codes Act. Building without the proper permits and inspections can also lead to costly repairs in the future.

As the homeowner, am I allowed to take out a permit (plumbing/private sewage, gas or electrical) for my contractor who is doing the work?
No, the certified installer is responsible to obtain the required permits to work on your home.

I am a homeowner acting as general contractor for my new home. I want to take out all the permits myself but, I will be hiring trades-people for most of the work, is this acceptable?
Anyone can apply for the building permit, however unless you are completing the electrical, plumbing, gas and private sewage work yourself, the people contracted to complete the installations must take out their own permits. Ensure that you are hiring certified contractors.

After my permit is issued how long is it good for?
The permit is valid for one year, provided it is not abandoned for more than 120 days and work must commence within 90 days of permit issuance.


Building

Is a development permit the same as a building permit?
No, a development permit is not the same as a building permit. A development permit allows a specific type of development on a specific parcel of land in the community to proceed with the zoning and development bylaws of the municipality. A building permit allows construction of buildings or structure to proceed on condition of compliance with the Alberta Building Code which addresses public safety and welfare.Most types of construction projects require both a Development Permit and a Building Permit. This includes major renovations to existing buildings as well as construction of new buildings.

Do I need a building permit?
Building Permits are required for construction, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building excepting certain farm buildings, and non-hazardous accessory buildings 10 square metres or less. For more information on permits, go to the Building Permit Page.

When are building permits required?
Building permits are required under the Alberta Safety Codes Act to make sure the construction and use of the building will be safe.  Building permits are required for construction, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or change of use of any building. Certain farm buildings, and non-hazardous accessory buildings under 100 square feet, are exemptAll installations of modular, move-on, or prefabricated homes require a Building Permit.

If you are not sure if you need a permit for your project, call your local Municipality or IJD Inspections Ltd. today.

 I am relocating a manufactured home onto my property, why do I need a permit when it is a factory built home?
The home is to be constructed to the CSA and Alberta Labour Standards, however the foundation, crawl space, stairs, decks, etc. need to be inspected in accordance with the Alberta Building Code.

Do I need a building permit to move a mobile home?
Yes, a building permit is required for the relocation of a mobile home. In order to ensure proper site preparation, foundation and anchorage.

Can I request an extension on my building permit?
On receipt of written application, a safety codes officer may, in writing, extend the term of the permit only once for up to 90 days, if the agency's permit has not expired when application for extension is made.

Does my building permit cover the electrical, plumbing and gas installations?
The building permit covers the structural aspect of the construction. Permits are also required for the electrical, plumbing, gas and private sewage installations.

How large of a garage can I build on a slab? And, do I need a permit for that?
The garage can be up to 55 square metres (approximately 600 sq. ft.) when located on a slab. Yes, you do require a building permit when building a garage.

Do I require a permit to install a wood-burning stove?
Yes, a building permit is required for the installation of wood burning stove.

What do I need before applying for a building permit?
The correct Municipal address or the legal land description of the property

  • A copy of the site plan showing the size, shape, and position of the proposed building on the lot or property.
  • Two complete sets of plans for your building project including:
    • Floor Plans
    • Elevation drawings
    • Cross-section drawings
    • Mechanical information
    • Electrical information

NOTE:  One set of plans will be returned to you upon review

All construction plans wil be revieweed by a qualifed professional to verify that they met the requirements under the Alberta Building Code. The Building Permit wil be issued within a few business days.

At what height do I require guardrails on a deck?
If the deck is two feet in height from the ground, 36 inch high guardrails are required with maximum spacing of 4 inches on verticals. If the deck is greater than 6 feet in height from the ground, guardrails must be at least 42 inches high.

Electrical

Do I need a Electrical permit?
Electrical Permits are required for installing, replacing, removing, connecting, disconnecting, or repairing electrical work excepting replacing fuses, receptacles, switches, and utilization equipment with proper respective units of a similar type where the replacement can be made without other modifications to the installation. For more information on permits, go to the Electrical Permit Page.

When do I call for an electrical inspection?
Call for an electrical inspection a minimum of 2 business days prior to dry-walling.

What size of service is a homeowner able to install and obtain electrical permits for?
The amperage of the service or equivalent can not exceed 100 amps, and the system voltage can not exceed 300 volts.

Plumbing & Gas

Do I need a Plumbing permit?
Plumbing Permits are required for installing, renewing, or changing any plumbing equipment or plumbing system except replacement of a fixture, water heater, faucet, trap, or valve, if there is no change in the piping system. For more information on permits, go to the Plumbing Permit Page.

Do I need a Gas permit?
Gas Permits are required to install, alter, or make addition to any gas installation except replacement of a gas range, dryer, or hot water tank, if there is no change made to the piping or venting. For more information on permits, go to the Gas Permit Page.

Do I require a gas permit to replace a residential furnace?
Yes, if there are alterations to the venting or gas piping, then a permit is required.

PSDS

Do I need a permit to extend or replace my private sewage system?
Any renovation, addition or alteration to an existing private sewage disposal system requires a permit. When a system is changed it then must conform with the private sewage standard in effect.