A heating and ventilation permit is required under the Safety Codes Permit Bylaw when installing, repairing, or altering any heating, ventilation, or air conditioning undertaking such as but not limited to:

• ventilation systems
• kitchen exhaust
• residential hydronic systems
• heat recovery ventilators

Air Conditioner (Cooling) Permits

Any time an air conditioning (cooling) unit is wired into the electrical system, you must apply for an electrical permit.

If the installation of an air conditioning (cooling) unit requires a ducting design alteration, both an HVAC permit and an electrical permit will be required.

If the cooling unit is freestanding, no electrical permit is required.

For Homeowners

New home heating and ventilation work must be completed by a licensed mechanical contractor. Homeowners of single family homes can only obtain heating and ventilation permits for renovations and/or additions to an existing heating and ventilation system.

Homeowners who apply for their own heating and ventilation permits must own and occupy the property and be completing the work themselves.

1. Homeowner must apply for permits in person (address listed below)
2. Complete the Single Family Homeonwers Heating and Ventilation Permit Application
3. Provide a detailed drawing with duct design and heat loss calculation
4. For hydronic/geothermal installations, the homeowner needs to provide a site specific drawing and a heat loss and equipment list from a certified designer
5. After the work has been completed you can book an inspection by calling 311

A permit must be obtained prior to starting any work and booking an inspection.

Contractors must be licensed with the City of Edmonton.

1. Complete the Contractor's Heating and Ventilation Permit Application
2. Fax to 780-496-6054 or come to our offices (address listed below)
3. After the work has been completed you can book an inspection by calling 311

OR

Contractors who have an online account may apply for their permits and book their inspections online.

A permit must be obtained prior to starting any work and booking an inspection.

GeoExchange Systems

A GeoExchange System, commonly known as a Geothermal System, is a network of piping in the ground with a closed loop fluid circulation that allows for heat transfer between a building HVAC system and the ground. GeoExchange systems can improve the energy efficiency of building heating and cooling systems.

GeoExchange systems do not require a development permit as long as they meet the exemptions under Section 12 of the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw.

However, the applicant is obligated to conform with other legislation, bylaws, or land title instruments such as the Municipal Government Act, the Edmonton Safety Code Permit Bylaw, or any caveats, covenants, or easements that might be attached to the Site (Section 5.2 of the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw).

Additional requirements exist for projects within the River Valley and Ravine System (Section 14.1 of the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw).

The GeoExchange System Installation Application form provides the City of Edmonton with sufficient information about the proposed GeoExchange system to ensure building code and industry best practice compliance of any buildings it may connect to.

Inspection Information

• After the work is completed an inspection of the equipment is required.
• All equipment that will be concealed must be inspected and approved before it is covered.
• If the work has not had an inspection but has been covered, the inspector has the authority to request the area to be opened for inspection.

Booking an Inspection

• In occupied homes, the owner of the home should be phoning to book the inspection since they will be required to ensure that either themselves or another adult is there when the inspection occurs.
• Inspections can be booked by calling 311 or faxing our office. Please indicate the type of inspection that is required as well as permit holder's name and phone number and the address where the inspection needs to be done.

To prepare for the required inspections in occupied homes, please ensure:

• an individual 18 years of age or older who is responsible for the property is present during the inspection
• clear and unobstructed access to all areas of inspection is provided
• all pets are securely contained

Please note: the Safety Codes Officers are required to wear shoes while performing their duties in your home.

Extra Inspections

A fee of $245 shall be assessed for every inspection requested where any of the following items are found to be deficient:

• No address on site, building, or suite as applicable
• Inspector unable to access the building, having been called to inspect
• Project not ready for inspection, when inspector has been called to do an inspection
• Inspection called for where previously identified deficiency has not been corrected.

2016 Fees

New Construction

• The 2016 House Combo Permit Fees apply to new single detached home permits 

• Consult the 2016 Safety Codes Permit Fees

• Consult the 2016 Safety Codes Permit Fees

Note: An additional $102 notification fee will be added to all house combo permits that are Class B or require a variance.

For More Information

Permits and Licensing Service Centre