Plumbing and Gas - Commercial Permits and Inspections

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Plumbing and gas permits and inspections for commercial, industrial and multi-unit residential buildings.

Includes sprinkler systems, utility connections (sewer), fan coil replacements,

For plumbing or gas work inside a home see Plumbing Permit or Gas Permit.

When a project involves a general contractor, plumbing and gas permits are attached to building permit.

Contact your general contractor to be added to the online plumbing or gas permit application.

Important Information

Pending request volumes, inspections may not occur on the date requested.
Due to the “spot check” and “point in time” nature of inspections, safety codes officers will not review all work in all areas.
A limited number of inspections are included in the value of a permit. See Which Inspections Do I Need? for more information.

Service Overview

Plumbing Fees

Base inspection costs are included in permit fees. See Additional Fees for more information on costs for additional inspections.

Fees listed below apply to both stand-alone plumbing permits and plumbing permits obtained in connection with a building permit.

Project Type	Permit Fee	Safety Codes Fee ¹	Total
Commercial building	$172 per unit or address	$6.88	$178.88 per unit or address
Multi-unit residential building	$112 per unit or address	$4.50	$116.50 per unit or address

¹ Safety code fee is 4% of the permit cost with a minimum of $4.50 and a maximum of $560.

Gas Fees

Base inspection costs are included in permit fees. See Additional Fees for more information on costs for additional inspections.

Fees listed below apply to both stand-alone gas permits and gas permits obtained in connection with a building permit.

Construction Value¹	Permit Fee	Safety Codes Fee²	Total
$0 - $15,000	$172	$6.88	$178.88
$15,001 - $500,000	$251	$10.04	$261.04
$500,001 - $1,000,000	$336	$13.44	$349.44
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000	$503	$20.12	$523.12
$5,000,001+	$834	$33.36	$867.36

¹Construction 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.

²Safety code fee is 4% of the permit cost with a minimum of $4.50 and a maximum of $560.

Additional Meters

The inspection cost for one meter is included in the permit fee. The inspection cost for each additional meter is listed below.

Service	Permit Fee	Safety Codes Fee	Total
Additional Meter Inspection Fee	$45	$4.50	$49.50

Temporary Heat

Project Type	Permit Fee	Safety Codes Fees	Total
Commercial, industrial, institutional, multi-family development	$172	$6.88	$178.88
Single unit in a multi-family development	$112	$4.50	$113.50

Additional Fees

Permit Cancellation

Requests to cancel a permit once a permit has been issued are charged a $110 fee. Refunds must be greater than $10 to be processed.

Additional Inspection Fee

Fee	Safety Codes Fee	Total
$264.00	$10.56	$274.56

The additional inspection fee is applied in each scenario:

(1) Deficiencies

Address not located on site, building, or suite as per City bylaws. For more information, see Commercial Construction Address Sign Standards.
Immediate building access not provided
Site is not safe to access
Project not ready for inspection
Incorrect type of inspection requested
A previously identified deficiency has not been corrected

(2) Repeated Inspections Due to Failures

The value of a permit includes 2 attempts to pass for a single type of inspection. The additional fee is charged for third inspection, and every subsequent inspection.

(3) Additional Inspections

The value of a permit includes a limited number of inspections. Additional inspections requested by contractors are charged the additional fee.

(4) Failure to Cancel an Inspection Prior to Deadline

Requests to cancel an inspection must be provided before noon on the business day prior to the inspection date.
If a request for cancellation is not provided prior to the deadline, the additional fee will be charged.

For more information see the 2021 Building Permit and Safety Codes Fees, effective January 1, 2021.

Timelines

Permit Timelines

Plumbing and gas permit applications submitted in connection to a building permit are typically reviewed within 1-2 business days after the building permit is issued.

Stand-alone plumbing and gas permit applications are reviewed to determine if a development permit and/or building permit is/are required. Plumbing and gas permit applications are typically reviewed within 1-2 business days.

Inspection Timelines

Pending request volumes, inspections may not occur on the date requested.

Permits

Do I Need A Permit?

A plumbing or gas permit is required when installing or altering plumbing, drainage or gas equipment or infrastructure.

Permits are not required for general maintenance or replacing small fixtures such as toilets, taps, or shower heads.

A permit is required when replacing large equipment such as furnaces, hot water tanks, rooftop units, make-up air units.

Stand-Alone Plumbing or Gas Permits

A stand-alone plumbing or gas permit is issued when the scope of the project does not require a building permit.

Stand-alone permits are rare: most projects will also require a building permit.

Any stand-alone permit application will be reviewed to ensure a development permit and/or building permit is/are not required.

Note: Permits applied in error will be refunded less a fee. See Additional Fees for more information.

Who Can Apply for Permits?

Permit applicants must meet the following criteria:

Hold a valid business licence with the City of Edmonton
Be a licensed plumber or gasfitter registered with the City of Edmonton

To register a licensed plumber or gasfitter with the city of Edmonton:

Start your online account (optional)
Visit the Edmonton Service Centre with the following items:
- Government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- Original journeyman tickets

Refunds and Contractor Changes

Cancellations/Refunds

To cancel your permit email the Cancellation/Refund Request form to plumbingandgastechdesk@edmonton.ca.

All requests to cancel a permit application are charged a fee. See Additional Fees for more information.

Contractor Changes

Contractor changes can be completed online by the building permit applicant or assigned general contractor.

Note: If inspections have occurred under a listed contractor, a new permit is required to change contractors.

Apply for Your Permit

Permit Application Requirements for Gas Permits:

BTU load calculation (gas permits only)
For furnace replacement, download and complete the fillable Gas Permit Details for Furnace Replacement Application form
For new installation of other gas appliances, download and complete the fillabe Gas Permit Details for New Gas Appliance Application form

Apply Online
To apply in person visit the Edmonton Service Centre. Ensure to bring:

Application Form
BTU load calculation (gas permits only)

After You Apply

Work cannot be started until permits are issued. Starting construction without a permit can result in stop work orders, fines and/or administrative penalties.
Any major changes design changes must be submitted for review.

Inspections

Many inspections fail due to preventable causes such as:

Incorrect address or address not clearly displayed
Site not available for access
Site is not safe to enter

Use the checklists below to ensure your inspections have the best chance of success.

Addressing, Access, Safety Checklists

Address is Correct And Clearly Displayed

Contact the building permit holder to confirm the correct site address
Ensure construction address signs conform to City standards:
- Clearly visible from the street
- Suite number is included
- Affixed to the building; sandwich board -type signs are not acceptable
- For more information see Commercial Construction Address Sign Standards.

Site Is Accessible

Site access instructions include lockbox numbers, site details, and directions,

or,

A site contact is available at the entrance to provide immediate access during business hours (8am - 4pm). Safety Codes Officers will not call ahead to provide notice of an inspection.

Site is Safe to Access

Common areas (hallways, stairwells, parkades) are clean and free of debris
Hard surface is available from the building to the sidewalk
Handrails/guardrails are installed on walking surfaces over 3 feet in height
Barriers are installed around open pits
Uncontrolled hazards are not present (example: crane or man-lift is not located above work site)
Exterior windows/doors and glazing are installed
Site roadways are accessible by fire trucks

Inspection Checklists

Plumbing Inspections Checklists

Groundworks Inspection

Drainage piping has been installed
Piping is exposed for visual inspection (dirt/concrete not installed)

Plumbing Rough-In (Plumbing Stacks) Inspection

Drainage and venting work is complete and as per code
- Example: venting is rolled up around centre line drain and all piping is supported
Water lines are protected from freezing
Piping is exposed for visual inspection (drywall not installed)
- Example: venting is rolled up around centre line drain
Materials are appropriate for location:
- Example: fire-rated pipe not installed in a party wall

Plumbing Final Inspection

Fixtures are installed and operational
Groundworks (if applicable) and rough in (stacks) inspections are completed
Previously identified deficiencies are corrected

Gas Inspections Checklists

Gas Rough-In Inspection

Air test assembly is installed and holding pressure
Previously identified deficiencies are corrected
Piping is properly supported
Appliance manuals are available on site
BTU load calculations are available on site

Gas Final Inspection

Ladder provided to access roof (if required)
Appliances are installed and connected
Appliance manuals are available on site
Commissioning reports are complete and available on site
Gas service has been turned on
Exposed gas lines painted with anti-rust paint
Used Gas Appliance Form available on site (if applicable)
Previously identified deficiencies are corrected

Which Inspections Do I Need?

Plumbing Inspections

Groundworks Inspection - applicable to some projects
Rough-in Inspection - applicable to some projects
Final Inspection - required for all projects

Gas Inspections

Rough-in Inspection - required for all projects
Final inspection - required for all projects

Additional inspections requested by contractors will be charged additional fees. See Additional Fees for more information.

Cancelling Your Inspection

You can request a cancellation online, by calling 311, or if outside Edmonton, calling 780-442-5311.

Requests to cancel an inspection must be provided before noon on the business day prior to the inspection date.

If a request for cancellation is not provided prior to the deadline, the full value of the permit will be charged. See Additional Fees for more information.

Request Your Inspection

The following information is required to request an inspection:

12-digit permit number. Example: 123456789-001 or correct site address
Site contact name and phone number
- Note: Safety Codes Officers will not call ahead to provide notice of an inspection
Instructions for entry (lockbox code, directions to correct building, etc.)
Type of inspection requested
Specifics of the area to be inspected
- For example: “3rd floor washroom renovation: Room 373.”

Note: Pending request volumes, inspections may not occur on the date requested.

Request Online
To request by telephone, call 311 or 780-442-5311 if calling outside Edmonton.

Technical Information

Temporary Heat on Construction Sites

Permits are required for all temporary heat sources on construction sites.

Temporary heat sources include: propane, natural gas, and heater installations.

Permit holders are responsible for ensuring that temporary heat equipment is approved, certified, and installed and used correctly:

Propane tanks, cylinders and hoses must be protected from vehicles and moving equipment through placement of approved barriers.
Propane cylinders must always remain upright and must be moved by using designated equipment and methods.
Placement of propane tanks and cylinders must comply with clearance requirements from doors or windows, property lines, and ignition sources.

For more information see the Temporary Heat Brochure or Safety Codes Council video.

Gas Appliances

All gas appliances must be derated for high-altitudes.

When used gas appliances are being installed, the Used Gas Appliance Form must be:

Submitted a minimum 2 business days prior to the rough-in inspection
Available on-site during rough-in and final inspections

Automatic Shut-Off Taps

Automatic shut-off taps are required in the following circumstances:

Any washroom accessible to the public
- Note: employee washrooms are considered public washrooms

Automatic shut-off taps are not required:

Hotel rooms
Motel rooms
Executive CEO washrooms

Alternative Solutions / Variances

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.

Resources

National Plumbing Code of Canada 2015
Gas Codes and Standards
Government of Alberta Municipal Affairs
Alberta Safety Codes Council

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I be notified when an inspection will occur?

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

When requesting an inspection the site supervisors must ensure sites are available and access is immediate.

See Addressing, Access, Safety Checklists for more information.

Note: Safety Codes Officers will not use the contact information provided in the inspection request to obtain access. When sites are not immediately accessible, the Safety Codes Officer will declare the inspection deficient and a re-inspection fee will be applied.

Why was my inspection not conducted today?

Pending request volumes, inspections may not occur on the date requested.

Why did my inspection fail?

A deficiency report outlining the reasons for a failed inspection is sent immediately following the inspection.

For questions about the failed inspection report, call the plumbing and gas technical desk at 780-496-3117 with the following information:

A copy of the deficiency inspection
Permit number associated with the inspection

Note:

Deficiencies will not be detailed when more than 4 infractions are found.

Who should I contact for advice on fixing deficiencies?

The purpose of a safety codes inspection is to provide a visual audit for compliance to applicable codes and standards.

It is the responsibility of licensed professionals employed by contractors to ensure thorough knowledge and application of safety codes standards.

Safety Codes Officers:

Will confirm whether a proposed (complete) solution meets code standards
Will not provide advice related to technical questions

Why was a deficiency not noticed by a previous inspector?

The purpose of a safety codes inspection is to provide a visual audit for compliance to applicable codes and standards.

Safety Codes Officers review select work site areas to conduct assessments.

Due to the “spot check” and “point in time” nature of inspections, Safety Codes Officers will not review all work in all areas.

When will my permit be issued?

Trade Permit Connected to Building Permit

Plumbing and gas permit applications submitted in connection to a building permit are typically reviewed within 1-2 business days after the building permit is issued.

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.

When does my permit expire?

Permits expire:

90 days from the date of permit issuance if construction has not started, or
24 months from the date of permit issuance.

For More Information

Edmonton Service Centre

2nd Floor, 10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 0J4

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

Email	plumbingandgastechdesk@edmonton.ca