Additions require both a development and building permit. Some examples of additions include adding a new room, bay window construction, sun room, covered deck or porch development, and attached garages or carports.

Additions that involve mechanical changes also require electrical, heating and ventilation, plumbing, and gas permits.

If your construction changes how you access your property, you will also need a curb crossing permit (contact our office for additional information).

The application and permit approval ensures all home additions meet the City of Edmonton's Zoning Bylaw requirements and building standards. Construction details are assessed and approved based on municipal and provincial regulations.

Inspections are done throughout the project to verify each stage of work has been completed to code.

The standards in the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw regulate how high an addition can be, where it can be built, and the amount of area the building can cover depending on what zoning applies to your property. The regulations described here apply to a typical RF1 (Single Detached Residential) zoned lot.

Residential properties can be zoned differently and can be affected by an overlay schedule. To verify the zoning of a property, either visit our office or do an address search on the Edmonton Maps site to determine what the zoning is for a particular property.

The Alberta Building Code regulates the construction and safety of structures. For any related inquiries contact our office and speak with a Safety Codes Officer.

There are generally four types of building inspections that are required during the construction of an addition. If mechanical work is also involved, separate permits and inspections will be required (see  Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Sewer and Water Permit topics).

• Footing and foundation inspection
• Framing inspection
• Insulation and vapour barrier inspection
• Final building inspection

You will need to contact our office to arrange for an inspection after each stage is completed.

Building a House or Addition Brochure

Application Procedure

To apply fill in the Residential Construction Application form and include all additional documentation that pertains to the type of construction project.  Also ensure you include all applicable fees.

Processing

1. A development officer reviews the application based on the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw. If a municipal address is required, one will be assigned. In certain circumstances, other departments may review these plans.
2. Once approved by the development officer, the application is examined by a safety codes officer for approval. It is in this stage a building permit is issued.
3. If an application is refused, an appeal can be made through the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. Phone: 780-496-6079.

2013 Fees

Development permit fee is $370

Note: There is an additional $40 fee if development permit is discretionary and notices need to be sent out.

Building permit fee and safety code fee is based on construction value (see table below).

Construction Value Fees (2013)

Construction value includes:

1. Building components (all materials used in the construction of the building including all building services, electrical, fire alarm and detection systems, and fire protection equipment)
2. Plumbing components (fixtures, drainage system, venting systems, water systems or any part thereof)
3. Electrical components
4. Heating components (systems and equipment for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning)

Construction value does NOT include furnishings, rugs, floor coverings, curtains, etc.

For more information:

Current Planning Service Centre