Commercial Inspections

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Inspections are an essential part of the permit process. City inspections do a point-in-time audit to ensure the work meets the minimum safety standards.

Commercial inspections include inspections for new buildings and changes to existing :

Commercial, industrial, institutional or mixed-use (a blend of commercial and residential) buildings
Apartments/condos
Row houses with 5 or more dwelling units
Stacked row houses

Preparing for Your Inspections

Permits

Before you can request inspections you need to have applied for your building and trades permits. The City will then process your application and send you the issued permit by email. Inspections are only carried out on sites that have valid permits issued by the City.

Apply for a Permit

Request Safety Codes Inspection

After your project has progressed to the appropriate stage, you must request that a Safety Codes Inspector (Inspector) visit your site. The stages to call for inspections are explained in the Inspection Types section below. You can request the date of the inspection but not a specific time. Safety Codes Officers will not call ahead or provide advance notice. Ensure that the site is accessible immediately upon the arrival of the inspector.

The permit fees you paid cover a limited number of inspections. A permit is not considered complete until your project passes all the required inspections.

City inspections do a point-in-time audit (meaning the point where an inspector actually visits your site) to ensure the work meets the minimum safety standards.

Important tips to help you prepare for an inspection:

Display the Address on Your Project Site

Display the correct address.
Address signs must conform to Construction Site Address Sign Standard.

Safe Access

Safety Codes Officers (Inspectors) will not call ahead or provide advance notice of an inspection.

Sites must be immediately accessible to the inspector on the requested date.

Inspectors must wear safety footwear while performing their duties in your home.

All construction sites must be safe to access under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. If Inspectors encounter unsafe access conditions, they will fail the inspection and additional fees will apply.

To prepare for the inspection, remember to ensure:

Common areas (hallways, stairwells, parkades) are clean and free of debris
A hard surface walkway, at least 2 feet wide, is clear of snow and ice and it extends continuously from the sidewalk to the building
Handrails/guardrails are installed on:
- Walking surfaces over 3 feet in height
- Stairs of 5 or more risers
- Ramps
Guardrails are installed around all leading edges of open pits
Access ladders are:
- Secure against movement at the bottom and top
- Placed on a stable base

Permit Documents on Site

Provide the reviewed permit drawings, documents and details on site. They must be available for review by the Safety Codes Officer during all inspection stages.

Print drawings in original size
Print colour-marked drawings in colour
Provide the ‘inspector copy’ package of the roof truss shop drawing from the supplier
Protect permit documentation in a weather-resistant envelope or container
The inspector must see this permit package when entering the project through the main entry

The work being built needs to match the reviewed permit documents.

Check the Conditions of Issuance of the permit. Ensure you have fulfilled the conditions for the current stage.

Pre-Final Inspection and Pre-Occupancy Documents

We may require some of the following forms before a final inspection and granting of occupancy. Review the permit conditions and the project in SelfServe to understand what needs to be submitted.

Document submissions with errors will cause delays in receiving occupancy permission.

C-schedule forms must:

Be for the same code cycle as the A and B schedules
Be issued by the same firm that issued the A and B schedules
Be authenticated and validated per the requirements of the respective professional associations.
Reference the correct building address and applicable suite number(s)
Reference the correct City File Number

Other forms must be:

The same code cycle under which the permit was issued
Completed and signed with the correct address and suite number

The National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 are in force since May 1, 2024. Use the forms listed under National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition for permits issued under the current codes.

For permits issued under the previous code editions, use the forms under the respective heading.

Visit Energy Code Requirements for energy code information and checklists.

National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition

The current code edition, in force since May 1, 2024, is referred to as NBC-2023AE.

NBC-2023AE Professional Schedules

Schedule C-1 for assurance of compliance by the coordinating registered professional
Schedule C-2 for assurance of field review and compliance by the registered professional of record
Schedule C-3 for assurance of delegated design compliance and field review by the delegated professional

9.36 and National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB)

NBC-2019 AE Professional Schedules

Schedule C-1 for assurance of compliance by the coordinating registered professional
Schedule C-2 for assurance of professional field review and compliance

19-BCV-024 Standata Professional Schedules

Schedule C-1 for assurance of compliance by the coordinating registered professional
Schedule C-2 for assurance of field review and compliance by the registered professional of record
Schedule C-3 for assurance of delegated design compliance and field review by the delegated professional

9.36 and National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB)

Professional Schedules

Schedule C-1 for assurance of compliance by the coordinating registered professional.
Schedule C-2 for assurance of professional field review and compliance.

Requesting an Inspection

All required inspections for a project are listed in SelfServe after issuing a permit. You can request, cancel, or reschedule them there.

You can also request inspections by calling 311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311).

Inspections occur Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4:15pm.

Include a lockbox number or key location in the instructions to access the building in your request where applicable.

The capacity of a given day determines the availability of inspections. Once capacity is reached, that day will no longer be available and a future date will need to be selected.

We will complete inspections on the day you request.

Review the Safety Codes Inspection Booking Guide for more details.

Inspection and Compliance Monitoring Methods

The City of Edmonton uses various compliance monitoring methods under the Safety Codes Act including:

In-person inspections
Remote Video Inspections (RVI)
Verification of Compliance (VOC) at the inspector's discretion, for certain projects only
Safety Code Inspection Efficiencies (SCIE)

In-Person Inspection

This inspection method is available for all project types. If no other methods are available in self-service or offered over the phone, the inspection will be in-person.

Remote Video Inspection (RVI)

Remote Video Inspection (RVI) enables virtual inspection through connected smart devices. The permit holder operates one at the building location; the inspector operates the other at a different location. The City uses Google Meet to conduct RVIs.

We may offer RVI as an option for re-inspecting select building and trade permits. It is only offered if the earlier inspector found the project eligible.

Verification of Compliance

Verification of Compliance (VOC) is a declaration by you that you corrected all deficiencies found in an earlier inspection. We may offer VOC as an option for re-inspection for select building and trade permits. It is only offered if the earlier inspector found the project eligible. Like all inspections, this method is subject to audit.

Safety Code Inspection Efficiencies (SCIE)

SCIE (pronounced "Sky") is an artificial intelligence (AI) model used for single and semi-detached houses only. SCIE analyzes data to predict the outcomes of discretionary inspections. It identifies inspections with a high probability of passing. These inspections are then determined not to receive an on-site inspection. This allows limited inspection resources to be reallocated to higher-risk projects, creating efficiencies and contributing to improved timelines.

You still need to request all inspections listed in the ‘inspections’ tab of the project dashboard at selfserve.edmonton.ca. They become listed there after a permit is issued.

When you request an inspection, the model determines its probability of passing.

If SCIE determines an on-site inspection is required, we'll send a reminder email the morning of your requested inspection day, and an inspector will visit the site as usual.
If SCIE determines an on-site inspection is not required, we'll notify you by email around 10 am on the scheduled inspection day with instructions on how to proceed to the next construction phase.

Currently, this may affect some Building, HVAC and Plumbing Inspections.

We are working to expand this approach to more inspections.

Learn more about Safety Codes Inspection Efficiencies.

Cancelling / Rescheduling an Inspection

Cancel and reschedule inspections by visiting your project in SelfServe. If necessary you can also call 311 (if outside Edmonton, by calling 780-442-5311).

You need to make a cancellation or rescheduling request by noon the business day before the day of the scheduled inspection. Additional fees apply to cancellation requests received after that time.

Inspection Types and Checklists

Many inspections fail due to preventable causes. Use the checklists below to ensure your inspections have the best chance of success. These checklists explain the stages at which to request inspections. They also contain the most common items audited during these inspections.

However, the lists are not exhaustive. The work must meet all the applicable codes and standards.

If some inspections are not visible to you in the project in SelfServe it is likely because a permit has not been applied for or is not yet issued. Review the permit status and outstanding items or contact us.

Building Inspections

Projects with a construction value under $50,000 typically require one Final Inspection in the building discipline. This is in addition to all applicable electrical, plumbing, gas or HVAC inspections.

Projects with a construction value between $50,000 - $200,000 typically require 2 inspections in the building discipline:

This is in addition to all applicable electrical, plumbing, gas or HVAC inspections.

Projects with a construction value exceeding $200,000 require 3 - 5 inspections in the building discipline, based on project complexity.

Interim Inspection
Fire Separation Inspection by request only
Partial Final Inspection by request only
Final Inspection

This is in addition to all applicable electrical, plumbing, gas or HVAC inspections.

For Side-by-side row houses with 5 or more units:

Final Building Inspection

Additional inspections can be requested by the permit holder for additional fees.

Electrical Inspections

Emergency inspections are inspections conducted outside of normal business hours.

To request an emergency inspection contact us by phone or email.

Plumbing and Gas Inspections

Plumbing

Gas

Gas Rough In Inspection
Temporary Gas Heat Inspection where applicable
Gas Final Inspection

Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) inspections

Commercial HVAC Interim Inspection where the construction value is over $ 50,000
Commercial HVAC Final Inspection

For Side-by-side row houses with 5 or more units only:

After Your Inspections

After an inspection, you will receive an email with the results of your inspection. If your project has deficiencies, the email will tell you what they are and the next steps you must take.

The email with the results of your inspection will also state if the re-inspection is eligible for Verification of Compliance (VOC) . The inspectors determine this during the inspection.

Inspection Outcomes

Inspections have one of the following outcomes:

Passed or OK

There are no deficiencies observed. Proceed to the next phase.

Conditional

We found deficiencies but they do not need a re-inspection. The permit holder or owner must correct these deficiencies. Proceed to the next phase but correct deficiencies before the next inspection.

Ongoing

Work may continue. Request the inspection again as instructed by the inspector or when the phase is completed.

Deficiency/Fail or Infraction(s)

We found deficiencies and you must correct these before proceeding to the next phase. Request a re-inspection once you corrected all deficiencies. You may request a re-inspection using the same inspection method or, if offered, by Verification of Compliance (VOC). Learn about how to prepare for your inspection above.

Not Ready/Missed Inspection

We found the project to not be ready for the inspection or the work has progressed beyond the appropriate inspection stage. Additional fees apply. After paying the fees and following the inspector’s instructions, request the inspection again. Learn about how to prepare for your inspection above.

No Access or Address

We found there to be no safe access to the site or that no address was posted. Additional fees apply. After paying the fees, request the inspection again and learn about how to prepare for your inspection above.

Energy Code Deviation

We found that the work does not match the reviewed energy code details. This may impact the energy performance of the building. Follow the inspector’s instructions or contact the plans examiner.

Stop Work

An order has been issued and work must stop until the order is vacated.

VOC Received

We have received your Verification of Compliance (VOC) submission. Please allow for up to 5 business days to review the VOC.

Not Required

We will not do a site inspection. We found the requested inspection is not required. Proceed to the next phase. Learn about Safety Codes Inspection Efficiencies (SCIE) above.

Final

There are no deficiencies observed. We will issue a permit services report. Where applicable, an occupancy permit will be issued and the permit completed.

Additional Inspection Fees

The permit fee includes 2 attempts to pass each type of required inspection.
We charge an additional inspection fee for third and later attempts.
You must repeat failed inspections until we find the work to be acceptable.

Residential Inspections - Additional Fees Flow Chart
View larger image

Additional Inspection Fees

Fee	Safety Codes Fee	Total
$280	$11.20	$291.20

Inspection may fail for administrative reasons or for deficiencies found. Review Preparing for Your Inspections.

Permit Services Report

We will email a Permit Services Report (PSR) once all inspections are completed.

We may also leave a PSR on site as a follow-up where inspections are not requested. This is around the time when the issued permit has already or is about to expire. This is an inspection attempt when calculating additional inspection fees.

A PSR indicates information such as the project location, permit number, a description of the work and the project status. It includes additional action required by the property owner or permit holder where applicable.

The PSR will be available in the project in SelfServe.

To request a PSR for a historic file, apply for a search of record.

Occupancy Permit

Following the successful completion of all mandatory inspections, we will send an Occupancy Permit by email. This document represents permission to occupy. You will also find the Occupancy Permit in SelfServe.

Occupying a building before getting an Occupancy Permit is against the Safety Codes Act. It is also against Safety Codes Permit Bylaw 15894. Order to vacate and penalties may be administered.

Permit Expiry and Cancellation

Permits expire 90 days from the date of issuance if work has not started or has been abandoned. Where work has started they expire 2 years from the date of permit issuance.

If your permit is about to or has expired, contact the applicable discipline, such as building, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical.

Contacts

Building Discipline: buildingic@edmonton.ca
HVAC Discipline: hvactechdesk@edmonton.ca
Plumbing and Gas Discipline: plumbingandgastechdesk@edmonton.ca
Electrical Discipline: electricaltechnicaladvisors@edmonton.ca

Contact Us

Edmonton Service Centre

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday
8am to 4:30pm (by appointment)

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311

Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Fax	780-496-6054

Commercial Inspections

Permits

Request Safety Codes Inspection

Display the Address on Your Project Site

Safe Access

Permit Documents on Site

NBC-2023AE Professional Schedules

9.36 and National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB)

Other Documents and Forms

NBC-2019 AE Professional Schedules

19-BCV-024 Standata Professional Schedules

9.36 and National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB)

Other Documents and Forms

Professional Schedules

Other Documents and Forms

In-Person Inspection

Remote Video Inspection (RVI)

Verification of Compliance

Safety Code Inspection Efficiencies (SCIE)

Plumbing

Gas

After Your Inspections

Passed or OK

Conditional

Ongoing

Deficiency/Fail or Infraction(s)

Not Ready/Missed Inspection

No Access or Address

Energy Code Deviation

Stop Work

VOC Received

Not Required

Final

Additional Inspection Fees

Contacts

Contact Us

Edmonton Service Centre

Hours of Operation: