Building Permits

Thinking of developing your basement? Adding a shed? Most developments require both a development permit and a building permit. Before you begin a major project, check which permits you need and what documents you need to provide to obtain a permit. If you are starting or moving a business, our Checklist for Small Businesses is also available to help you with your application package.

Commercial construction and renovation requires permits for both the construction and the change of use. Even if you are not doing building renovations, permits may still be needed. If you are unsure of your specific requirements please contact our office at 780-962-7582 to speak with our Development and Safety Codes Officers.

What documents do I need to submit?

If you are moving your company to an existing building that was previously used for a different type of business operation, you may need to apply for a change of use, and you will need the following:

If you are constructing a new commercial building, you will need the following:

Fees

Building permit (new construction and renovations)

$7.90 per $1,000 of job value
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Water

10% of permit fee
Water and sewer fee

$150
Basic meter fee

Based upon cost, as periodically set by the City of Spruce Grove
Foundation only permit 25% of building permit fee due
Development permit

$260 + 1.30 per square meter
Lot grading

Based on lot grading requirements

Other permits

Trades permits must be applied for by a certified technician with a valid City of Spruce Grove or Tri Municipal Business Licence.

Electrical permit See the Electrical permits page for full fee schedule for additional installation costs
Plumbing permits See the Plumbing Permits page for full fee schedule for additional fixtures
Gas permit See the Gas Permits page for full fee schedule for additional outlets

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

Double fees will apply to work being done prior to approved permits being issued.

A deck permit is required if your deck is over 2 feet in height and/or does not meet the City of Spruce Grove setback requirements. The application process for a deck will take three to four weeks to complete after the required paperwork has been submitted and payment has been made. It is recommended to talk to a Development Officer about your deck plans even if you do not think that a permit is needed. They can be reached at at 780-962-7582 and can check your property site to ensure that the requirements are being met.

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for deck permits, we require the following:

  • Development Permit Application   and applicable fees.
  • Right of Entry form  .
  • Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees (only if over 2 feet in height).
  • Copy of land title no more than 3 weeks old. You can obtain a title from any registries office or go to the Alberta Land Titles website   and login as a guest. 
  • Authorization Form for Development Application   (if applicant is not the property owner).
  • 3 copies of a site plan showing location, dimensions and height of proposed deck including distances to the property lines. You can use a copy of your Real Property Report or survey to draw your deck. You may have a received a copy of your RPR when you purchased the home, alternatively you can contact us to check the property file for a copy.
  • 3 copies of construction drawings of the deck including materials used. Must be drawn to scale (use a ruler). This template   can be used if you do not have construction drawings.

A copy of the brochure is available for your information and reference.

Fees

Building permit

$103
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Development permit

$80

Double fees will apply to decks being constructed prior to approved permits being issued.

We can be contacted at 780-962-7582 with any questions about the applications or approval process.

A demolition permit is required anytime a structure is being demolished or removed on a property site. If you are replacing the demolished building with a new structure, then the demolition details can be included on the development and building permit application instead of a separate form and fee.

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for demolition permits (removal only), you will require:

To apply for construction permits and demolition, you will require:

Or

A copy of the brochure is available for your information and reference.

Fees

Demolition only building permit

$155
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Demolition only development permit

$100 for single family units
$200 for all other demolition
Building permit

See full fee schedule on either "residential construction" or "commercial construction and renovation" sections
Electrical permit

$105 for installation costs $2000 and under
See the Electrical Permits page for full fee schedule for additional installation costs
Plumbing permits

$100 for up to 5 fixtures
See the Plumbing Permits page for full fee schedule for additional fixtures
Development permit

$260 + 1.30 per square meter
Gas permit

$105 for up to three outlets
See the Gas Permits page for full fee schedule for additional outlets

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

Double fees will apply to work being done prior to approved permits being issued.

A garage permit is required anytime you are building a new garage or changing your existing garage size and/or location.

An attached garage is considered part of the home is subject to the same setback regulations as the principal building. 

Detached garages are separate from the principal building therefore, must comply with the following regulations:

  • Shall be located a minimum of 1m or 2m from the dwelling. Please contact Development Officer to determine what setback is required for your district.
  • Shall be no closer than 1m (3.3 feet) to the rear property line.
  • Shall be no closer than 1m (3.3 feet) to the side property line.
  • Where vehicle doors of the garage face a side yard, the garage shall be no closer than 6m (19.7 feet) from the opposite side property line.
  • Where zero side yard setbacks are permitted, the Development Officer may consider a zero side yard setback for a garage if it is located on the same property line as an existing principal building at a zero side yard setback.
  • There shall be no encroachment of any part of a building onto public utility lots, easements, road rights-of-way.
  • Garage height shall not exceed 4.5m (14.8 feet) from final grade to the peak

Please note: a permit will take 3 to 4 weeks to issue so it is advisable to apply as early as possible for your permits.

What documents do I need to submit?

For a garage you will need the following:

A copy of the brochure is available for your information and reference

Fees

Detached garage permit

$4.50 per square meter
Minimum permit fee of $125
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Development permit

$80
Electrical permit

$105 for installation costs $2000 and under
See the Electrical Permits page for full fee schedule for additional installation costs

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

Double fees will apply to work being done prior to approved permits being issued.

 

Home renovations deal with the interior changes to your home. The types of permits required will depend on the renovations you are having done. A homeowner can apply for their own permits if they are doing their own renovations. Alternatively, a contractor may apply for the permits, but they must hold a valid business licence.   

Please note: Permits can take up to four weeks for approval so apply as early as possible to avoid construction delays.

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for renovations permits, we require one or more of the following:

  • Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees (if structural changes are being done, an example would be adding or removing walls).
  • 3 copies of construction drawings of the renovation plans. Must be drawn to scale (use a ruler). Construction drawings must include the following: 
    • All wall measurements
    • All window and door locations
    • Indicate the use of all rooms
    • Label all smoke alarm locations
    • Location of the stairs and utility room
  • Electrical Permit Application   and applicable fees if you are installing any wiring. If you are hiring a master electrical contractor they may apply for the electrical permit on your behalf, and they must hold a valid business licence.
  • Plumbing Permit Application   and applicable fees if you are changing your plumbing. No permit is required if you are only attaching fixtures to existing roughed in plumbing. If you are hiring a plumbing contractor they may apply for the plumbing permit on your behalf, and they must hold a valid business licence.
  • Gas Permit Application   and applicable fees if you are installing gas outlets. If you are hiring a gas contractor they may apply for the gas permit on your behalf, and they must hold a valid business licence.

Fees

Building permit

$5.90 per square meter for all floors
Minimum permit fee of $90
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Electrical permit

$105 for installation costs $2000 and under
See the Electrical Permits page for full fee schedule and additional installation costs
Plumbing permits

$100 for up to 5 fixtures
See the Plumbing Permits page for full fee schedule and additional fixtures
Gas permit  

$105 for up to three outlets
See the Gas Permits page for full fee schedule and additional outlets

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

Double fees will apply to a work being done prior to approved permits being issued.

We can be contacted at 780-962-7582 with any questions about the applications or approval process.

 

A permit is required anytime you are adding a hot tub to your yard. It is a simple and quick process that ensures the safety of both your home and the neighborhood.

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for a hot tub permit, you will require:

  • Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees. 
    Include your hot tub CSA certification number on the application or include a photograph of it. The hot tub must have either a certified lockable lid or be surrounded by a six foot fence with lockable gate.
  • Electrical Permit Application   and applicable fees.
    The homeowner can apply for this permit or a master electrician can apply for this permit, provided their company has a valid business licence.

Fees

Building permit application

$103
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Electrical permit

$105 for installation costs $2000 and under
See the Electrical Permits page for full fee schedule and additional installation costs

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

We can be contacted at 780-962-7582 with any questions about the applications or approval process.

Mobile homes, or manufactured homes require permits for the following:

  • Placement of a manufactured home
  • Change in lot boundary
  • Construction of an accessory building (deck, shed, carport)
  • A new roof on the existing manufactured home
  • An addition to the existing manufactured home
  • Replacement of window and door openings that will be larger in size than the existing openings
  • Installation of bay or bowed window

Please note: permits can take up to four weeks for approval so apply as early as possible to avoid construction delays.

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for permits, we require one or more of the following:

A copy of the brochure is available for your information and reference.

Fees

Building permit for new location

$103
Plus 10% Fire Inspection Surcharge
Building permit for additions

$5.90 per square meter for all floors
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Development permit

$80

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

Double fees will apply to a work being done prior to approved permits being issued.

We can be contacted at 780-962-7582 with any questions about the applications or approval process.

A legal secondary suite requires different permits than a basement development. Please refer to "secondary suites" for those specific requirements.

A building permit is required anytime you are making changes to your existing basement area. This will range from installing walls to a full basement renovation.

Please note: a permit will take 3 to 4 weeks to issue so it is advisable to apply as early as possible for your permits.

What documents do I need to submit?

  • Residential Building Permit Application   and fee
  • Electrical Permit Application   and fee if you are wiring your basement. If you are hiring a Master electrical contractor they may apply for the electrical permit on your behalf.
  • Plumbing Permit Application   and fee if you are breaking concrete to move plumbing. No permit is required if you are only attaching fixtures to existing roughed in plumbing.
  • Gas Permit Application   and fee if you are installing gas fixtures such as a fireplace
  • 3 copies of construction drawings of the basement. Must be drawn to scale (use a ruler). Drawing must also include the following:
    • All wall measurements
    • All window and door locations and sizes
    • Label all rooms
    • Label all smoke alarm locations
    • Location of the stairs and utility room

Fees

Basement development

$2.95 per square meter
Minimum permit fee of $90
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Electrical permit

$105 for installation costs $2000 and under
See the Electrical Permits page for full fee schedule and additional installation costs
Plumbing permits

$100 for up to 5 fixtures
See the Plumbing Permits page for full fee schedule for additional fixtures
Gas permit

$105 for up to three outlets
See the Gas Permits page for full fee schedule for additional outlets

Double fees will apply to a basement being constructed prior to approved permits being issued.

We can be contacted at 780-962-7582 with any questions about the applications or approval process.

Building Permits deal with structural stability of buildings and the health and safety of the building's occupants. Development Permits deal primarily with a development's impact on surrounding properties. New Construction required both a Building and a Development Permit.

Please note: permits can take up to four weeks for approval so apply as early as possible to avoid construction delays.

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for new residential construction permits, we require the following:

  • Development Permit Application   and applicable fees
  • Right of Entry form  
  • Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees
  • Lot Grading Permit Application and applicable fees
  • Business Licence application and applicable fees
  • Authorization Form for Development Application   (if applicant is not the property owner).
  • Copy of land title no more than 3 weeks old. You can obtain a title from any registries office or got to the Alberta Land Titles website   and login as a guest. You will need your legal description to obtain the title.
  • 3 paper copies of the site plan outlining the proposed development including setbacks, eaves, dimensions and locations of easements and right of ways.
  • Commercial, Multifamily, Apartment, Condo and Industrial Checklist (if your project is a multi-family, apartment or condo)
  • 3 Set of complete construction drawings. Must be drawn to scale (use a ruler).
  • Letter showing approval for New Home Warranty Program.
  • If exempt, supply letter showing verification
  • Prescriptive/Trade off Requirements (Compliance with Subsection 9.36.2. – 9.36.4.).
  • Performance Requirements (Calculation Data – Reference/Proposed building or NECB Calculation Data)
  • Specifications for Heating/Ventilation/ Air conditioner and Service Water Heater.
  • Engineered Drawings/Specifications (if applicable);
  • Tall walls (Exceeding 12 feet in total height)
  • Lateral bracing (Engineered floors)
  • Reinforcement for windows exceeding 48 inches in foundations
  • Reinforcement for Non-laterally supported foundation (example; stairwell opening)
  • Installation of manufactured or cultured stone cladding
  • Engineered drawing/letter for steel screw pilings
  • Engineered drawing for concrete pilings
  • Engineered Roof truss layout w/ GSL = 37.6 lbs/sq.ft. from supplier
  • Engineered Floor joist layouts from supplier
  • Design and layouts from a certified designer for hydronic heating (If applicable)
  • Manufactured window/door specification sheets from supplier showing compliance with CSA-440/NAFS and all RSI values/Energy ratings

Fees

Building Permit  
Dwelling units (1 to 4 units)

$5.90 per square meter for all
floors including attached garage.
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge

Multi-family (Over Four Units)

$7.90 per $1,000 of job value
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge

Use multifamily building permit application form
Water 10% of permit fee
Water and sewer fee $150
Basic meter fee Based upon cost, as periodically set by the City of Spruce Grove
Development permit  

Single detached, semi-detached and duplex dwellings

 $205 per unit
Multi-family dwellings (three or more units) $300 plus $100 per unit

Lot grading

 Based on lot grading requirements  

Other permits

Trades Permits must be applied for by a certified technician with a valid City of Spruce Grove or Tri Municipal Business Licence.

Electrical Permit See the Electrical Permits page for full fee schedule additional installation costs
Plumbing Permits See the Plumbing Permits page for full fee schedule for additional fixtures
Gas Permit See the Gas Permits page for full fee schedule for additional outlets

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

Double fees will apply to a garage being constructed prior to approved permits being issued.

A Development Permit is required for all retaining walls

A Building Permit is needed when a retaining wall that is greater than 600 milimetres (1.97 ffeet) in height.

  • When the difference in elevation between the finished surfaces adjacent to the retaining wall and the retaining wall are greater than 600 milimetres (1.97 feet), guards shall be installed per the Building Code to prevent persons from falling
  • If a retaining wall is greater than 1.2 metres (3.94 feet) in height, drawings must be approved by a Professional Engineer prior to submission

The City’s engineering department becomes involved in the review of retaining wall permits whenever the wall proposed will change the grading on a lot. The engineering department will look at the proximity to property lines, size and impact on the overall drainage plan. Once the plan is reviewed, changes may be requested before approval is given or the permit is refused.

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for retaining wall permit, you will require:

 A copy of the brochure is available for your information and reference.

Fees

Building permit

$103
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Development permit

$80

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

Double fees will apply to the retaining wall being constructed prior to approved permits being issued.

The Land Use Bylaw states that a secondary suite is

  • Located within, and accessory to, a Principal Single Detached Dwelling.
  • Has cooking facilities, food preparation, sleeping and sanitary facilities which are physically separate from those of the Principal Dwelling within the structure.
  • Has a separate entrance from the entrance of the Principal Dwelling, either from a common indoor landing or directly from the side or rear of the structure.

There are different regulations for a secondary basement suite, a secondary garden suite and a secondary garage suite. Please contact a Development Officer for specific requirements on each suite.

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for a secondary basement suite we require the following:

A copy of the brochure is available for your information and reference.

Fees

Building permit

$103
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Development permit

$80
Electrical Permit

$105 for installation costs $2000 and under
See the Electrical Permits page for full fee schedule additional installation costs
Plumbing Permits $100 for up to 5 fixtures
See the Plumbing Permits page for full fee schedule for additional fixtures
Gas Permit $105 for up to three outlets
See the Gas Permits page for full fee schedule for additional outlets

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

Double fees will apply to secondary being constructed prior to approved permits being issued.

We can be contacted at 780-962-7582 with any questions about the applications or approval process.

A shed permit is needed anytime you are building a new shed or changing your existing shed size that is over 10 square meters.

If your shed is under 10 square meters and meets with regulations of the Land Use Bylaw for setbacks and site coverage then a permit is not required. You can speak with a Development Officer at 780-962-7582 to make sure that the requirements are being met for your specific location.

Please note: a permit will take 3 to 4 weeks to issue so it is advisable to apply as early as possible for your permits.

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for shed permit, you will require:

A copy of the brochure is available for your information and reference.

Fees

Building permit

$4.50 per square meter
Minimum charge of $125
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Development permit

$80

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

Double fees will apply to a shed being constructed prior to approved permits being issued.

We can be contacted at 780-962-7582 with any questions about the applications or approval process.

A swimming pool requires a development and building permit if it larger than 10 square meters and is deeper than 2 feet.

If your swimming pool is under 10 square meters and less than 2 feet deep and meets with regulations of the Land Use Bylaw for setbacks and site coverage then a development permit is not required but you will still need a building permit. Speak with a Development Officer at 780-962-7582 to make sure that the requirements are being met for your specific location.

Please note: a permit will take 3 to 4 weeks to issue so it is advisable to apply as early as possible for your permits.

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for swimming pool permit, you will require:

Fees

Building permit

$103
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge
Development permit

$80

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

Double fees will apply to a pool being constructed prior to approved permits being issued.

We can be contacted at 780-962-7582 with any questions about the applications or approval process.

A building permit is needed when a temporary tent or structure is larger than 10 square meters.

If your tent is under 10 square meters and meets with regulations of the Land Use Bylaw for setbacks and site coverage then a permit is not required.

Please note: a permit will take 3 to 4 weeks to issue so it is advisable to apply as early as possible for your permits

What documents do I need to submit?

To apply for temporary tent or structure permit, you will require:

Fees

Building permit

$7.90 per $1000 with a minimum charge of $90
Plus 10% fire inspection surcharge

A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits with a minimum of $4.50.

The Alberta Building Code regulates techniques and materials used in building construction, the occupancy and the use of buildings and equipment to safeguard the health and safety of building occupants.

Fees

Building permit fees vary and are payable at the time of application. Please refer to Development Fees and Fines.

Alberta Safety Codes Council levy is also collected with each building permit and safety code permit. Please refer to the Safety Codes Council Permit Fee Schedule for levy.

Submit permit applications

To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the City’s Planning and Development, and Engineering offices are temporarily closed to walk-ins; however staff are accessible by phone or email to assist residents, business owners and builders.

In person By mail By email or fax

Drop box located at
City Hall
315 Jespersen Avenue
Spruce Grove, Alberta
T7X 3E8

 

City of Spruce Grove
Planning and Development
315 Jespersen Avenue
Spruce Grove, Alberta
T7X 3E8

Email  

Fax: 780-962-1062

Contact

Call 780-962-7582 or send email if you have any questions.

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