Electrical Permit - Commercial
Commercial electrical permits 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
For electrical work inside a home see Electrical Permit - Residential.
Who Should I Contact?
| Service | City of Edmonton | EPCOR |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency inspections | Call 311 | - |
| Pad transformers | Permits only | Inspections only |
| New services | Inspections only | |
| Service changes or upgrades | Permits and inspections | Resolves questions about whether a project requires a service change/upgrade or new service |
| Service repair/upgrade | Permits and inspections | - |
| Solar/Renewable | Permits and inspections | |
| Underground (Primary Service Conductor- Power) | - | Inspections |
| Underground (Branch Circuit - power from primary panel to anywhere on your property) | Permits and inspections | |
| Site Identification Number | - | Provides site identification numbers |
| Any type of service in annexed areas | Contact the electrical technical advisor at 780-496-6674 | - |
Service Overview
Base inspection costs are included in permit fees. See Additional Fees for more information on costs for additional inspections.
Stand-Alone Electrical Permits
For stand-alone fee estimates, see the Planning and Development Fee Schedules.
Electrical Permits Obtained In Connection with Building Permit
| Construction Value1 | Base Fee | Safety Codes Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $24,000 | $160 | 4% of the permit cost with a minimum of $4.50 and a maximum of $560. |
| $24,001 - $80,000 | $230 | |
| $80,001 - $400,000 | $405 | |
| $400,001 - $2,000,00 | $835 | |
| $2,000,001 or greater | $2,695 |
1 Construction value is defined as the total cost of materials and services. Construction value does not include: landscaping, parking lots, sidewalks, furnishings, appliances, interior window coverings, temporary service connections, insurance or bonding, interim financing, permit fees, professional consulting fees, GST.
Annual Permits
Permit Fee
| Base Fee | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| $345 | $1.14 per $100 of electrical installation cost1 |
1 Electrical installation cost is the total amount of materials and labour.
Inspection Fee
| Inspection Fee | Safety Code Fee1 | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $160 per hour (minimum 1 hour fee) | $6.40 | $166.40 per hour |
Note: The Safety code fee is 4% of the permit cost with a minimum of $4.50 and a maximum of $560.
For more information, see the Planning and Development Fee Schedules.
Permit Review Timelines
Electrical permit applications submitted in connection to a building permit are typically reviewed within 2-3 business days after the building permit is issued.
Stand-alone electrical permit applications are reviewed to determine if a development permit and/or building permit is/are required. Electrical permit applications are typically reviewed within 2-3 business days.
Permits
- When projects have a general contractor, the electrical permit is applied for and issued in conjunction with the building permit. Contact your general contractor to be added to the electrical permit application.
- An electrical permit includes inspections for one main service and one electrical “house” meter.
- Inspections of additional meters require additional electrical permits.
- Installation of or alterations to fire signaling systems require a building permit in addition to an electrical permit.
- A stand-alone minimum-fee permit is required for pad-mounted transformers. Permits are issued by the City of Edmonton, however inspections are coordinated through EPCOR.
See Which Permits Do I Need? for more information about permit requirements.
Permits
An electrical permit is required when installing or altering electrical systems.
An electrical permit is not required for routine maintenance.
Maintenance means the like-for-like repair or replacement of worn or damaged building components or systems, including mechanical and electrical systems, for their preservation or upkeep but not their improvement, renovation, remodelling, or upgrading.
Electrical permits are not required for demolitions.
All new electrical installations require a permit, including new construction, renovations/alterations, electrical service upgrades, fire alarm systems, and lighting retrofits.
Any addition to an electrical system requires a permit. Examples include:
- Adding new circuits/wiring for receptacles and/or lighting
- Repair/replacement of aluminum wiring
- Solar voltaic systems and electric signs
- Electrical Vehicle Charging Station installation
An electrical permit includes inspections for one main service and one electrical “house” meter. Each additional meter requires an additional permit.
Stand-Alone Electrical Permits
A stand-alone electrical permit is issued when the scope of the project does not require a building permit.
Stand-alone permits are required for:
- Pad-mounted transformers
- Service changes or upgrades
- If you are unsure whether your project involves a service change or upgrade contact EPCOR at 780-412-3288.
Building Permits
- Installation or alterations to fire signaling systems require a building permit in addition to an electrical permit.
Permit applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid business licence with the City of Edmonton
- Be a master electrician registered with the City of Edmonton
- Be registered and in good standing with the Safety Codes Council
Building owners or administrators can apply for an annual permit.
New Master Electrician Registration:
To register a new master electrician book an in-person, telephone, or virtual appointment.
Ensure you have the following at hand:
- Master Electrician Certificate
- Government-issued photo identification (driver's licence, passport, or other identification)
Note: Both the company owner and the master electrician must be present for registration.
Contractor changes can be completed within the Self-Serve project dashboard until the permit is issued.
After the permit is issued or an inspection has occurred, submit the completed Request for Change of Permit Holder form to electricaltechnicaladvisors@edmonton.ca.
A new permit may be required if inspections have occurred.
Apply for Your Permit
Submit the application online. Electrical contractors must be licensed with the City of Edmonton
- Download and complete theApplication Form, including a description of the location and extent of the proposed work.
Plans must be submitted for applications that have electrical costs exceeding $50,000, complex installations or solar system installations - Attach electrical plans and/or specifications to the completed application and submit through:
- email to electricaltechnicaladvisors@edmonton.ca, or
- drop off at the Edmonton Service Centre
- Begin work only after the City of Edmonton has issued the required permits following a satisfactory review of the application
- Request an inspection within the SelfServe project dashboard under the 'Inspections' heading, or if necessary, call 311.
A permit must be applied for and issued prior to starting any work and requesting an inspection.
For inquiries and questions, please book a virtual or in-person appointment .
Work cannot be started until permits are issued. Starting construction without a permit can result in stop work orders, fines and/or administrative penalties.
To make changes before a Development Permit or Building Permit is issued, consult the City staff member assigned to your file.
After a Development Permit or Building Permit is issued, requestPermit Revisions in Self-serve. Additional charges may apply for revisions.
To cancel your application, email theCancellation/Refund Request form to the City staff member assigned to your file.
Inspections
After your project has progressed to the right stage, you must request that a Safety Codes inspector visit your site.
Failure to complete required inspections may result in you having to remove finished walls and/or additional inspection costs and delays.
All required inspections for a project are listed in Self-serve 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).
Deviation from reviewed plans cannot be endorsed on-site. When work completed does not match the reviewed plans, revised plans must be submitted for additional review.
Review the Commercial Inspections page to learn:
- How to prepare for your inspection by displaying the address, providing safe access and having the reviewed permit documents printed on site for reference by the inspector
- At which stages to request inspections
- How to request inspections
- What to expect during each inspection type
Technical Information
Although less common than temporary natural gas or propane heat, the option to utilize electric heating sources can be requested by the building permit holder by adding an additional electrical permit in the Self-serve dashboard of the project. The subcontractor is not to apply for a standalone permit.
If one 30-amp temporary heater is plugged into a receptacle in a new home after the permanent power for the new home has been energized, then no permit or inspection will be required.
Upon the temporary electrical permit being issued, the permit holder requests a construction meter from Epcor, the utility provider. Epcor allows a maximum of one 30A|240V heater for each 100A service.
After the temporary heater and line have been installed, the building permit holder must request an inspection in the Self-serve dashboard of the project. The installations must meet the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code and the Safety Codes Act.
Find information about temporary natural gas or propane heat on the Plumbing and Gas page.
For applications, information and questions related to new services or service changes, contact EPCOR.
Permits for pad transformers are issued by the City of Edmonton, and inspections are coordinator through EPCOR.
A separate, minimum-fee permit is required for each transformer pad.
To correctly apply for a minimum fee permit:
- Apply for your permit online
- Ensure the electrical construction value entered in your application does not exceed $3,000.00
Under the Alberta Safety Codes Act and Permit Regulations, an electrical permit is required to install, alter or add to an electrical system.
Annual Permits are site-specific and are intended for minor installations and maintenance and generally apply to commercial, industrial or institutional premises.
The City of Edmonton issues annual electrical permits.
Email or Drop off the Application
- Download and complete the Annual Electrical Permit Application Form.
- Email to electricaltechnicaladvisors@edmonton.ca
- Drop off at the Edmonton Service Centre
- For inquiries and questions, please call the electrical technical advisor at 780-496-6674
- Begin work only after the City of Edmonton has issued the required permits following a satisfactory review of the application.
Who may apply for an Annual Permit:
- An owner or operator of the premises provided they have a Certified Journeyman Electrician performing the work. A supporting letter accompanying the application will be required.
- A Certified Journeyman Electrician employed full time by the company. A supporting letter will be required.
- An Electrical Contractor retained by the company to perform the work. A supporting letter will be required.
Annual Permit Conditions:
- An Annual Permit does not entitle the holder to affect major electrical additions or alterations to the premises.
- The Annual Permit holder shall maintain an accurate record of all minor electrical repairs, alterations or additions. These records shall be retained for a minimum of two years and made available to the Safety Codes Officer upon request.
- Annual Permits are limited to a one-year term starting on the date of permit issuance.
- A separate Electrical Permit is required for all major repairs, alterations and additions not covered by the Annual Permit.
Consult the EPCOR Power Connection Process Guide to find information on setting up power in a new location or making changes to an existing service.
Variances or alternative solutions are installations, processes, equipment, or actions that are not consistent with the Alberta Safety Codes Act but provide an equal or greater level of safety.
Alternative solutions must be authorized by a Safety Codes Officer.
To obtain approval for an alternative solution, submit the Variance/Alternative Solutions Request Form with your permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trade Permit Connected to Building Permit
When a trade permit is submitted in conjunction with a building permit, the following must be completed before the trade permit is issued:
- permit application review is complete, and
- all fees are paid.
Consult with your building permit holder to determine the status of the building permit application.
Stand-Alone Trade Permit
When a permit is submitted for stand-alone work, the following must be completed before the trade permit is issued:
- Application for a development permit and confirmation that a development is not required.
- Application for a building permit and confirmation that a building permit is not required.
Note: Stand-alone trade permits submitted in error will be refunded less a fee. See Additional Fees for more information.
Permits expire:
- 90 days from the date of permit issuance if construction has not started, or
- 24 months from the date of permit issuance
Contact Us
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday (by appointment)
8am-4:30pm
Email electricaltechnicaladvisors@edmonton.ca
Phone In Edmonton: 311 | Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311