The National Fire Code Alberta Edition mandates that permits are required for fuel storage tank operations, installations, removals or alterations.

Building owners and certified contractors of storage tank systems are also required to apply for an annual operating permit when the tank has a volume greater then 2500 liters. 

When do I need a permit?

A development permit along with a Fire Services Installation Permit is required for all new aboveground (AST) and underground fuel storage tank (UST installations, removals or alterations. This includes the following:

• Small tanks between 230-8,000 L capacity, or an aggregate capacity of less than 20,000 L.
• Large tanks greater than 8,000 L capacity, or an aggregate capacity of greater than 20,000 L.

A permit is not required for the removal of storage tank systems where all components are above ground.

Annual operating permits

Annual operating permits are required for tanks capacity of over 2,500 L. You can apply for your tank permit in CityView when you apply for your annual business license. If you are applying at any other time throughout the year, you can apply for your annual tank operating permit here.

Fees

Storage Tank System Work Permit (Tank/piping installation; replacement; or alteration)	$225 plus $60/tank
System Removal Permit	$225
Storage Tank Search	$20 per address
Annual Operating Permit	$69 per tank

Payment

Payment is completed in CityView with your application process.

Fines

Failure to comply with the National Fire Code Alberta Edition can result in legal action as outlined in the Safety Codes Act. Offenses include:

• Failure to acquire the necessary permits prior to installing, removing or altering a storage tank.
• Filling and using a fuel storage tank that contains flammable or combustible liquids, without having a final inspection completed or having prior approval to fill it.

If you are found guilty of non-compliance the consequences can be:

For a first offense

• Fines up to $100,000 and up to $1,000 for each day where the offense continues and/or Imprisonment up to 6 months.

For second offense

• Fines up to $500,000 and up to $2,000 for each day where the offense continues.
• Potential imprisonment up to 12 months.

Questions?

If you have any questions about storage tank installation, removal, alteration or permit application, please contact:

Fire Prevention
36 Fifth Avenue
Spruce Grove, AB T7X 2C4
Phone: 780-962-4496​
Email Fire Prevention