Learn about bylaws, types of projects, permits and other information related to developing your property.
Identify your Project
Before You Build
Review your project category, land-use rules, property compliance and technical guidelines before starting your application.
Review Pre-development Rules and Requirements
Understand Your Location Restrictions
Check Zone and Overlay Regulations
Find the zone and overlay that apply to your property
- Go to Zoning Maps
- Select “I want to” in the top left and select “search by address”
- Enter your address
- In the related records tab, note your current zone (RS, RSF, or other zone)
- Note any overlays
If your zone and overlay combination is not listed, you can:
- Contact Development Services to understand the restrictions specific to your property
- Submit an application with your proposed project. Anticipate additional time (2 or more weeks) for your complex applications to be processed.
Check Ground Restrictions
- Identify utility lines. Contact CLICK-Before-You-Dig or DIAL-Before-You-Dig at 1-800-242-3447 for no-cost utility marking.
- Do not obstruct gas meters, bedroom windows, HVAC vents for dryer, furnace, heat recovery ventilation (HRV). Contact ATCO at 780-424-5222 with questions about gas services and meters.
- Identify overhead utility lines. Contact EPCOR at 780-310-4300 with questions concerning clearance from power lines and power pedestals.
- Identify restrictive covenants, utility rights-of-way, or easements. Check your construction plot plan, real property report, mortgage papers, talk to your home builder or request a Search of Records.
- Identify all ground characteristics, features, or structures that may impact or be impacted by your work.
Step 1: Plan Your Project and Prepare Documents
Every job will require different documents and permits. Property owners are responsible for knowing what permits they need and for following the associated legislation and bylaws.
Project Implementation Plan (PIP) Guide
A document package prepared by the project team that outlines and records how the project team intends to comply with all applicable regulations and guidelines referenced in this guide.
Project Implementation Plan (PIP) Letter of Commitment
The confirmation by the project team that a PIP will be created before construction begins and will be maintained throughout the project.
Why you need a development permit
Development permits ensure your projects are allowed and fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood as per the Zoning Bylaw.
Why you need a building permit
Building and trade permits ensure that what is built is safe and that design and construction are done following the Alberta Safety Codes Act.
Why permits are important
Permits are an important part of guiding development and achieving the safe, inclusive, vibrant and walkable city envisioned by The City Plan.
Permits allow you to begin construction
Starting work without written permission can result in stop-work orders, fines or administrative penalties.
Public Tree Protection Permit
Required for any work done within five metres of the trunk of a boulevard and open space tree or within 10 metres of a natural stand boundary.
On-Street Construction and Maintenance Permit
Required for most work on City road-right-of-ways, including roads, sidewalks and boulevards.
Home Improvement Permits
Access this residential permit guide to view different types of home improvement permits that may be needed.
Residential Permit Guide
Unsure which permits you need? Use the residential permit guide to help determine which permits you need and an estimate of fees.
Depending on the development, you may need to prepare:
- Site Plan
- Design Drawing/Form
- Structure and Engineering Documents
Visit the applicable project site section for more information.
Step 2: Apply
Submit an application for the building, development and/or trade permits associated with the project once all plans and supporting documents needed are prepared. Submitting an incomplete application can result in delays.
Drop off or Mail-in
Drop off or mail in your application to the Mail Room at the Edmonton Service Centre. Applications need to include:
- Home Improvement Permit Application Form (if applicable)
- 1 copy of all required documents for your project
Step 3: After You Apply
City staff will review your application to ensure your project complies with the Zoning Bylaw and the Alberta Safety Codes Act.
Making Changes Before Permit is Issued
Applicants can make changes while the application is in progress. Consult with the City employee assigned to your file.
Please note: changes may be subject to additional fees.
Making Changes After Permit is Issued
Permit holders can request changes after the permit has been issued by visiting the project dashboard.
Please note: additional charges may apply for revisions.
Cancelling a Permit or Application
Complete and submit the cancellation and refund form if you no longer plan to continue with the work.
Replying to a More Information Request
City staff may also reach out to you to request additional information at various stages of the permit application review process
Step 4: Inspections
Inspection Requirements for Permit Type
Inspections allow for proactive and reactive adjustments during construction and help ensure that what is being built is safe and meets minimum code requirements.
Every permit holder is responsible for requesting the required inspections for each stage of project construction. Check SelfServe to book the required inspections for your project.
Each inspection on a project will have an outcome of pass or fail and work is not complete until it passes all required inspections. The final building permit inspection should only be scheduled once all other inspections are complete.
Mandatory Inspections
Resident Inspections
Includes inspections for new construction and changes to existing:
- Single-detached houses
- Semi-detached houses
- Side-by-side row houses up to 4 units (with or without secondary suites)
- Backyard housing
Development Permit Inspections
Confirms that new construction is completed in accordance with an approved development permit and applicable zoning bylaw regulations.
Safety Code Inspections
After your project has progressed to the appropriate stage, you must request that a Safety Codes inspector visit your site. Safety Codes Officers (Inspectors) will not call ahead or provide advance notice. Ensure that the site is accessible immediately upon the arrival of the inspector.
Request an Inspection
Permit holders can request an inspection within their SelfServe project dashboard under Inspections, or by calling 311.
On-site Signage and Good Neighbour Rules
Clear communication on-site prevents complaints and keeps projects running smoothly.
Mandatory On-site Signage
The Zoning Bylaw sets out the requirement for certain sites to display visible and easy-to-read signage to inform the public of what has been approved for construction and who to contact for more information. The signs are one way to encourage open communication and respectful construction practices in redeveloping areas.
Infill Signage Requirements
Infill signage must include:
- Municipal address
- Description of the approved development
- Contact information of the contractor, applicant and/or property owner that will respond to project inquiries
- An image representing the outside of the approved building (for example, elevation drawing)
- City file number
- Other contacts for reporting concerns
Good Practices
Worksite Code of Conduct
Required operational standards that must be posted at active construction sites to inform trades and sub trades of requirements for a safe and clean site.
Pre-work Notice
Inform immediate neighbours before starting construction.
Parking and Traffic
Keep trade vehicles clear of neighbour driveways and transit stops.
Site Cleanliness
Keep waste contained in covered bins and prevent mud tracking onto public roads.