Changes to Existing Buildings

Some development, permit, licensing, and construction and inspection services are still operating at adjusted levels.

For interior and exterior alterations and renovations, additions, tenant improvements, selective or partial demolitions, changes to business activities.

For commercial, industrial, institutional, apartments, Row Houses with 5 or more dwelling units, and stacked Row Houses.

Do I Need A Permit?

Permits are required for:

Changes in activity in a space

First tenant in a new building location
Change to the business activity in a location, such as from retail to restaurant
Change in intensity of business activity, such as restaurant seating increasing from 50 to 150
Moving your business to a new location
Installing temporary or permanent exterior signs

Construction or equipment changes

Changes to exterior doors and windows
Changes to interior and exterior walls
Changes to heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical systems require trades permits
When upgrading or installing new building service equipment
When upgrading or installing new equipment (for example, a vehicle-detailing business expanding to include repair; forklift use and its charging/fuelling in a warehouse may require additional ventilation; adding or modifying commercial cooking equipment)

Permits are not required for:

Cosmetic changes such as painting, changing flooring, or cabinetry

Application Requirements	Application Standards and Guides
Site Plan	Tip: Ask your landlord for a site plan document. Ensure the site plan contains the information listed in standards. Site Plan Standard - General Site Plan Standard - Child Care Facility
Development Permit Floor Plan	Note: Development permit floor plan standards are different from building permit standards. Floor Plan Standard - Retail or General Projects Floor Plan Standard - Restaurant Floor Plan Standard - Light Industrial Floor Plan Standard - Child Care Facility
Certificate of Title	Must be a current copy, obtained within the past 3 months. Alberta Land Titles
Elevation Plan	Only required for exterior changes. Exterior changes include installing new doors and windows. Elevation Plan Standard

Application Requirements	Applications Standards and Guides
Elevation Plan	Elevation Plan Standard
Lot Grading Plan	See Lot Grading for standards, samples, and more information.
Landscaping Plan	See Landscaping for standards, samples and more information.

Application Requirements	Applications Standards and Guides
Site Plan	Site Plan Standard - General Site Plan Standard - Child Care Facility
Building Permit Floor Plans	Note: Building permit plan standards are different from development permit standards. Floor Plan Standard - Retail or General Projects Floor Plan Standard - Restaurant Floor Plan Standard - Light Industrial 3.8 Accessibility Guide Application for Barrier-Free Relaxation
Elevation Plan	For exterior changes only. Exterior changes include installing new cladding, doors and windows. Elevation Plan Standard
Energy Code Documents	Only required if the original building permit was issued after October 31, 2016. Energy Code Requirements
Professional Schedules	See Professional Involvement Standards to determine if professional schedules are required. Schedules of Professional Involvement Forms
Fire Safety Documents	Construction Fire Safety Plan For Major Projects - For new buildings, additions, exterior alterations and full-building demolitions Construction Site Fire Safety Plan for Renovations - For renovations and interior demolitions

Application Requirements	Applications Standards and Guides
Survey Plan	Prepared by a registered Alberta land surveyor. Survey Plan Standards
Building Plans	Note: Building permit plan standards are different from development permit standards. Building Plans Standards 3.8 Accessibility Guide
Geotechnical Report	Prepared by a registered engineering professional
New Home Warranty	Required for dwellings that will be sold. New Home Buyer Protection Act

COVID-19

Changes to Existing Buildings

Do I Need A Permit?

Permits are required for:

Permits are not required for:

Which Permits Do I Need?

Typical Project Process

Tips for Planning Your Project

Submitting Your Application

Application Requirements for All Applications

Application Requirements for Additions

Requirements for All Applications

Requirements for Additions

After You Apply

FAQ

For More Information

Edmonton Service Centre