Building Permits
Thinking of developing your basement? Adding a shed? Most developments require both a development permit and a construction permit. Before you begin a major project, check what permits you need, and what documents you must provide.
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.
Permit combination packages
The City offers two types of permit combination packages making permitting easier than ever.
Package one can be selected for construction projects that require multiple permits on the same project. The applicant can be a resident, builder or contractor.
Package examples can include:
- Detached garage (building, electrical)
- Basement development (building, electrical, plumbing, gas)
- Hot tubs (building, electrical)
- Commercial/industrial improvements (building, electrical, plumbing)
Package two can be selected for new residential construction requested by the builder for trade permits on the same project.
Packages can include:
- Electrical (new wiring, service, underground)
- Plumbing
- Gas
Questions? See our FAQ’s at the bottom of this page.
Applying for a permit
You can now apply online for construction and trades permits.
Common projects
Commercial construction and renovation requires permits for both the construction and the change of use. Even if you are not renovating, you may need permits.
Certified technicians must apply for trades permits. Contractors applying for trades permits must have a valid business licence in the City of Spruce Grove.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A deck permit is required if your deck is over 2 ft. high or does not meet the City of Spruce Grove setback requirements. We recommend talking to a Development Officer about your deck plans. They can check your property to ensure that requirements are met.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
When you demolish or remove a structure from a property, you require a demolition permit.
In some cases, you may be replacing the demolished structure with a new structure. If so, you don't need a demolition permit. You can include demolition details on your development or construction permit application instead.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
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. It is subject to the same setback regulations as the principal building.
Detached garages are separate from the principal building and therefore must comply with the regulations.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
Home renovations are interior changes to your home. The types of permits you require depend on the renovations you are doing.
A homeowner can apply for their own permits if they are doing their own renovations. Or, a contractor may apply for the permits if they hold a valid business licence.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
You require a construction permit to add a hot tub to your yard. It is a simple process that ensures the safety of your home and neighborhood.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
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
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
You require a building permit any time you are making changes to your basement. It could range from installing walls to a full basement renovation.
If you’re building a legal secondary suite, you require different permits than a basement development.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
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 requires both a building permit and a development permit.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A development permit is required for retaining walls.
If the retaining wall is taller than 600 millimeters (1.97 ft.), a building permit is also required.
- When the difference in elevation is more than 600 millimetres (1.97 ft.), guards shall be installed to prevent persons from falling.
- If a retaining wall is taller than 1.2 metres (3.94 ft.), a professional engineer must approve the drawings prior to submission.
The City’s engineering department reviews retaining wall permits when the proposed wall will change the lot grading. The engineering department will look at proximity to property lines, size and impact on the drainage plan.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A secondary suite:
- Is located within, and accessory to, a Principal Single Detached Dwelling.
- Has cooking facilities, food preparation, sleeping and sanitary facilities separate from those of the Principal Dwelling.
- Has a separate entrance from the Principal Dwelling.
There are different regulations for a secondary basement suite, a secondary garden suite and a secondary garage suite.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A shed permit is required when
- building a new shed over 10 square meters or
- changing your existing shed that is over 10 square meters.
A shed permit is not required if
- your shed is under 10 square meters and
- meets with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw for setbacks and site coverage.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
| Size and depth of swimming pool | Required permits |
|
More than 10 square meters |
Development permit |
|
Less than 10 square meters |
Construction permit |
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A construction permit is required when a temporary tent or structure is larger than 10 square meters.
A construction permit is not required if
- your tent is under 10 square meters and
- meets the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw for setbacks and site coverage.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
Fees
Building permit fees vary depending on your project.
- Estimate fees online using a free, secure account on the CityView Portal OR
- refer to Development Fees and Fines.
Double fees will apply to work done prior to permit approval.
A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits (minimum $4.50).
Submit permit applications
Apply online for permit applications using the CityView Portal.
Need help? Help is available online 24/7.
The application will require the contractor name, master electrician/journeyman name and phone number, and all relevant information for each permit. This includes the area, cost of installation, number of fixtures or number of outlets.
*Each contractor must hold a valid business licence at the time of application.
Yes, the contractor information is required with the application and the contractor must hold a valid business licence. The cost of installation is also required at the time of the permit application.
Either the applicant or the contractors listed on the application can pay any owing fees.
Either the applicant or any of the contractors listed on the application can request inspections.
Yes, all permits and reports are visible in the CityView Portal account of the builder, and all contractors who are listed on the application will be able to see permit applications.
The builder can track the status of all trades permits up to occupancy, monitor the outcome of all inspections and expiry dates, and has the flexibility to pay fees themselves or request the contractor pay fees.