Building Permits

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:

• Development permit application   and applicable fees.
• Commercial and Industrial Checklist
• Right of Entry form  .
• Non-Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• Authorization Form for Development Application   (from the property owner).
• 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. You will need your legal description to obtain the title.
• 3 copies of a site plan showing location and parking of your business including the bay or office you are moving into. 
• 3 copies of the proposed floor plan of the space you are moving into.

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

• Development Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• Commercial and Industrial Checklist
• Right of Entry form  .
• Non-Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• Commercial Lot Grading Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• Authorization Form for Development Application   (from the property owner).
• Copy of land title no more than 3 weeks old. You can obtain a title from any registries office or from the land titles website. Google “Spin 2” 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 including:
  • Landscaping
  • Storm drainage
• 3 paper copies of the detailed construction drawings.
• We also require one electronic copy of the plans either via email, disk or USB stick.

Fees

Other permits

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

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 got 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

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:

• Development Permit Application  and applicable fees.
• Right of Entry form  .
• Authorization Form for Development Application   (if applicant is not the property owner).
• Demolition Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• 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 copies of a site plan showing an “X” through the structures being demolished.

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

• Development Permit Application  and applicable fees.
• Right of Entry form  
• Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees. Please see "commercial construction and renovations" for more details.

Or

• Non Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees. Please see "commercial construction and renovations" for more details.
• 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. 
• Authorization Form for Development Application   (from the property owner).
• 3 copies of a site plan showing both the removal and new construction locations, including distances to the property lines. You can use a copy of your Real Property Report or survey. 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.
• Electrical Permit Application   (if needed) and applicable fees.
• Plumbing Permit Application   (if needed) and applicable fees.

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

Fees

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:

• Development Permit Application  and applicable fees.
• Right of Entry form  .
• Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• Electrical Permit Application   ( if you are wiring your garage) and applicable fees.
• Detached Garage Acknowledgment Form   if you are applying for a detached garage
• 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. 
• 3 copies of a site plan showing location and dimensions of proposed garage. It is recommended to use a copy of your Real Property Report as a site plan where you will draw on the proposed garage with dimensions and setbacks to property boundaries and dwelling.
• 3 copies of construction drawings of the garage including materials used. Must be drawn to scale (use a ruler). You can use this template   if you do not have construction drawings. Construction drawings shall include the overall height and eaves.

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

Fees

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

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

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:

• Development Permit Application   and applicable fees
• Right of Entry form  
• Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees
• 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.
• Authorization Form for Development Application   (if applicant is not the property owner).
• 3 copies of a site plan showing location and dimensions, including distances to the property lines and maximum height to the peak if applicable.  You can use a copy of your Real Property Report or survey.
• 3 copies of construction drawings.
• Engineering report if required by the Building Inspector.

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

Fees

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

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

Other permits

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

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:

• Development Permit Application   and fee
• Right of Entry form  
• Residential Building Permit Application   and fee - If the retaining wall is over 1.97 feet in height
• 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.
• Authorization Form for Development Application   (if applicant is not the property owner).
• 3 copies of a site plan showing location and dimensions of the proposed retaining wall, including distances to the property lines and maximum height to the peak. You can use a copy of your Real Property Report or survey, and draw the proposed retaining wall onto that as a site plan.
• 3 copies of construction drawings of the proposed retaining wall including materials used. Must be drawn to scale (use a ruler).

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

Fees

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:

• Development Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• Right of Entry form  
• Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• 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. 
• Authorization Form for Development Application   (if applicant is not the property owner).
• 3 copies of a site plan showing location of your secondary suite, including distances to the property lines. You can use a copy of your Real Property Report or survey. 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 secondary suite including materials used, dimensions and room labels. Must be drawn to scale (use a ruler).

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

Fees

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:

• Development Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• Right of Entry form  
• Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• 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.
• Authorization Form for Development Application   (if applicant is not the property owner).
• 3 copies of a site plan showing location and dimensions of proposed shed, including distances to the property lines and maximum height to the peak. You can use a copy of your Real Property Report or survey, and draw the proposed shed onto that as a site plan.
• 3 copies of construction drawings of the shed including materials used. Must be drawn to scale (use a ruler).

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

Fees

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:

• Development Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• Right of Entry form  
• Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• 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.
• Authorization Form for Development Application   (if applicant is not the property owner).
• 3 copies of a site plan showing location and dimensions of proposed pool, including distances to the property lines and maximum depth. You can use a copy of your Real Property Report or survey, and draw the proposed pool onto that as a site plan.
• 3 copies of construction drawings of the pool including materials used. Must be drawn to scale (use a ruler). Drawings must include property fencing details.

Fees

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:

• Non-Residential Building Permit Application   and applicable fees.
• 3 copies of construction drawings of the temporary tent(s) including materials used.
• 3 copies of the site plan showing structure locations

Fees

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