Temporary heat permits are required for temporary heat sources on construction sites. Permits allow the use of natural gas, propane or electricity to be used as a temporary heating source. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring that only approved equipment is installed by a certified installer in a safe manner.
Permits are to be applied for in conjunction with the applicable building permit. The subcontractor is not to apply for a standalone permit unless a rental company is managing the setup/installation/rental of the entire system.
Temporary Gas Permit Option (Natural Gas or Propane)
The temporary gas permit option can be included in the building permit application for a commercial final permit and is automatically available in a new house permit application. The subcontractor is not to apply for a standalone permit unless it is a rental company that is managing the setup/installation/rental of the entire system. In that case, they may apply for a standalone gas permit.
Like all other trade permits, this permit will be listed in the project self-serve dashboard under the applicable building permit. If this permit was not selected at the time of permit application, it can be added later with applicable fees.
If natural gas or propane is the fuel source, a gas fitter must be assigned to the permit as these installations fall under the requirements of the B149.1 gas code.
This is a requirement even if using a quick-connect system for temporary heating appliances. The building permit holder needs to manage this temporary heat permit and assign it to the chosen subcontractor. The subcontractor will be automatically notified and asked to complete some permit application details, including the fuel type.
Once the trade permit application is completed and submitted, City staff will review and issue the permit.
If you are constructing a garage or garden suite and require a different heating source due to site limitations, a stand-alone temporary heat permit would be required for that installation.
If you are having a different fuel source at the onset of your build and anticipate switching to natural gas as the proprietary heating source when the service becomes available to that property, you will require a stand-alone permit for the first installation of heating equipment.
Temporary Natural Gas
After the temporary gas permit is issued, the permit holder requests a construction meter from ATCO, the utility provider. Once the temporary heater and lines have been installed, the building permit holder is to request an inspection in the self-serve dashboard of the project. The temporary gas system (propane or natural gas) can be energized without waiting for an inspection of the work. Inspections must be requested for all installations. Failure to follow permit conditions may result in penalties.
Temporary Propane
After the temporary gas permit has been issued, the temporary heat source may be installed. The gas system (propane or natural gas) can be energized without waiting for an inspection of the work. Inspections must be requested for all installations. Failure to follow permit conditions may result in penalties.
Please note:
- Propane tanks, cylinders and hoses must be protected from vehicles and moving equipment through the placement of approved barriers
- Propane cylinders must always remain upright and must be moved by using designated equipment and methods; and
- Placement of propane tanks and cylinders must comply with clearance requirements from doors or windows, property lines and ignition sources
After the temporary heater, lines and tank have been installed, the building permit holder must request an inspection in the self-serve dashboard of the project. Installations must meet the applicable requirements of the CSA B149 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code and the Safety Codes Act.
The Safety Codes Council provides additional information on temporary propane heat:
Violations and Infractions
A temporary construction meter is a privileged arrangement between the City of Edmonton and the utility provider. The City or the utility provider reserves the right to suspend temporary meter privileges for 90 days for a first-time offence and 180 days for repeat offences if an installation is found to violate the requirements listed above.
Common infractions include but are not limited to:
- Crossing property lines with equipment supply piping
- Failing to adequately protect gas equipment supply lines
- Installations by non-certified installers
- Unsafe electrical connections
- Failing to call inspections
- Failing to obtain permits
We recognize that a row house or multi-storey building may require temporary connections that may be susceptible to crossing property lines within the predetermined utility corridor from a set of banked meters. Each line is to terminate at a heating appliance or, in the case of a multi-storey building, at a manifold with shutoff valves for each outlet.
For information about the temporary electric heat permit option, review the Electrical page.
