Home Addition Permit

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A home addition is an increase or extension to the existing building area, such as adding a new room, bay window, sun room, covered deck, porch, or attached garage/pergola.

Before You Apply

Do I need a permit?

Permits are required for home addition projects such as:

Extending the main floor, such as adding a room
Adding a bay window
Sunrooms and other three-season rooms
Covered decks, patios and porches
Attached pergolas
Attached garages and carports
Adding second or third floors

Additional trades permits may be required for any heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical work.

Are you building a stand-alone structure such as a freestanding gazebo, pergola, or shed that is not attached to the house?

Accessory structures such as gazebos, pergolas, and sheds that are not attached to the house require accessory building permits. Please see the detached garage, shed, and gazebo page for more information.

Who can apply?

Homeowners can apply for home improvement permits or have their contractors apply for the permits on their behalf
Homeowners can apply for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical trade permits if they live in the home and their home is a single detached house that does not share walls with a neighbour
A certified trade contractor is required to apply for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical trade permits permits when the homeowner doesn’t live in the home or the home shares a wall with a neighbour (duplex, semi-detached, row townhouse, condominium)
All permits required can be applied for at the same time but separate inspections will be required for the work associated with each permit

Fees and Processing Times

Permit Fees

Effective January 1, 2023

Home Addition Permit Fee

Development Permit Fee	$335
Building Permit Fee	Minimum $115 (Based on construction value)
Safety Codes Permit Fee (4% of Building Permit Fee)	Minimum $4.60 (Based on construction value)
Total Permit Fee	Minimum $454.60

Construction Values and Building and Safety Code (Trades) Permit Fees

Building permit and safety code fees are based on construction value. Construction value includes:

Building components (all materials used in the construction of the building, including all building services, electrical, fire alarm and detection systems, and fire protection equipment)
Plumbing components (fixtures, drainage system, venting systems, water systems or any part thereof)
Electrical components (install, alter or add to an electrical system)
Heating components (systems and equipment for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning)

Note: Construction value does not include furnishings, rugs, floor coverings or curtains.

Review the 2023 residential permit and fees schedule for a full list of associated permit fees.

Payment

There are several ways to make a payment.

Application Processing Times

Application processing times can be found on the development and construction application processing times web page in the home improvement permits section. You can also visit the building permit queue time web page for general building permit processing wait times or check the status of your specific application by visiting the project dashboard in selfserve.edmonton.ca.

Tips and Professional Support

Tips for Planning Your Project

Ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements outlined in step 1 below to avoid application processing delays
Consider hiring a contractor or other professional support to help with the design and construction of your project as required
Be mindful of construction safety considerations, such as being aware of and not damaging gas or other utility line locations
Don’t start construction until you receive your approved permits

Hiring Professional Support

Homeowners are encouraged to consider hiring professional contractors and designers to assist them, especially for more complex projects. Professional contractors and designers can help make the application process smoother by designing your project and drawing your plans so they meet requirements and applying for permits on your behalf.

We recommend using a contractor experienced in the type of project proposed. Working without an experienced, certified professional may significantly increase the application review processing time as City staff may require you to modify your plans to comply with regulations.

Where structural changes such as load-bearing wall modifications are included, engineer-stamped drawings are required. The plans and drawings submitted must meet application criteria and include a comparable level of detail as found in the sample plans (see step 2 below for details).

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.

Step 1: Plan Your Project and Prepare Documents

There are different application requirements based on the type and complexity of the addition project.

Refer to the applicable section to learn how to prepare the required documents for your project. Ensure all required information is provided to minimize application processing times.

Understand Your Location Restrictions

Understand the location restrictions, such as zoning and ground utilities clearance, that impact the size and location of your proposed addition.

Check Zone and Overlay Regulations

Find the zone and overlay that apply to your property

Enter your property’s address at maps.edmonton.ca
In the general tab, scroll down to find the current zone and overlay sections
Note your current zone (RF1, RF2, RF3, RF4, RSL)
Note any overlays such as the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay
Need help? See the zoning and overlay guide

Check Ground Restrictions

Check the following ground restrictions for planning your addition:

Identify utility lines. CLICK-Before-You-Dig or DIAL-Before-You-Dig: 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 (780-424-5222) with questions about gas services and meters
Identify overhead utility lines. Maintain a minimum of 3.5 metres (11.5 feet) clearance to electrical wires above the deck's walking surface. Contact EPCOR (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, and mortgage papers. Talk to your home builder or request a Search of Records

Abandoned Wells Confirmation

Required if any proposed development for a new building, or an addition to or alteration of an existing building will result in the building being larger than 47 square meters or 506 square feet, as required by Alberta Energy Regulator Directive 079.

Submit a signed Abandoned Wells Confirmation Form and include a printout of the map(s) used to confirm the absence/presence of abandoned wells.

Covered Deck(s), Porches, Patios, and Veranda

Covered deck(s), porches, patios, and veranda additions provide shade and/or weather protection without walls. These types of additions require application documents such as a site plan, and architectural drawings including floor plans and elevation drawings, and may require engineer-stamped drawings.

While an attached pergola does not provide protection from the weather, it is also considered an unenclosed addition and requires the same application documentation. Pergolas attached to the home that have a roof structure or a roof system that can open and close (known as a louvred roof) are treated as a roof that can hold snow loads and may require an engineer's review and stamped drawings.

Please note: For screened-in porches or patios, please refer to the unheated rooms additions requirements below. For free-standing pergolas not attached to the home and uncovered decks, patios, verandas and porches, please refer to the Detached Garage, Shed, Gazebo or Deck pages.

Site Plan

The site plan shows the entire existing property. City staff need the site plan to understand where the proposed addition will be located on the site.

The site plan must include:

A north arrow
Property address
Corresponding streets and avenues
Dimensions of property lines
Location, measurements, and setbacks of proposed and existing buildings and structures
Identify applicable caveats, covenants, easements

Drawing Tips:

Should be drawn on a real property report, plot plan, or graph paper.
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Sample Drawings - Covered Deck Site Plan

Floor Plan

A floor plan shows the layout of the inside of your home. City staff require a detailed floor plan to ensure your application follows the zoning bylaw and meets minimum building code requirements.

A floor plan must include:

Property address
The existing floor layout of the home (stairs, doors, windows, walls). Note: partial floor plans may be accepted.
Proposed addition floor layout including exterior dimensions of the addition
Room labels (living room, dining room, washroom, kitchen)

Drawing Tips:

Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Sample Drawings - Covered Deck Floor Plan and Elevations

Elevation Drawings

Elevation drawings show the exterior of your house from all sides including the location and dimensions of walls, doors and windows, as well as the finishing materials. City staff require elevation drawings to understand how the addition will change the exterior look of the house and to review the dimensions and materials of the proposed addition.

Elevation drawings must include:

Show exterior walls and proposed additions, including roofs, posts and railings, and their dimensions
Wall construction details including framing member stud size and spacing and insulation values
Specify finishing materials for walls (brick, stucco), roof (asphalt shingle, concrete tile), fascia, soffit and others
Provide proposed addition dimensions:
- Addition width
- Addition length
- Grade to the top of the finished floor
- Top of the finished floor to bottom of the eaves
- Bottom of the eaves to the roof ridge
- Eave sizes

Sample Drawings - Covered Deck Floor Plan and Elevations

Structural and Engineering Documents

Based on the scope of your project, structural and engineering documents may be required. If there are any changes to the structure of the house (beams, posts supporting beams, load-bearing walls, floors, wall opening enlargement or new openings in foundation walls), engineer-stamped drawings of the proposed changes are required.

As outlined below, structural and engineering documents include foundation plan, roof design or engineering drawings.

Foundation Plan
- Foundation design identifies that the weight or load of the project area is being adequately and safely supported
- When a roof structure is being constructed, construction details are required to show how it will be supported
- If supported by a foundation that cannot be referenced in the National Building Code - Alberta Edition (NBC - AE) (Example: concrete or steel pile foundations) site-specific engineering and stamped drawings are required
Roof design or engineering
Roof designs show how the roof of the project is being adequately and safely constructed. Typical roofs will be constructed using engineered truss products, or stick framed with dimensional lumber.
Sample Engineered roof and floor layouts
- Engineered roof truss layout diagram . Do not submit individual truss detail sheets. A factory-supplied “Inspector Copy” package of roof truss shop drawings must be provided for inspection.
- Engineered floor joist layout diagrams , from the uppermost to the lowest storey.
- Roof and floor supplier letter(s) : Supplier’s letter, design drawings, and placement diagram are required to be submitted with the permit application.
- Sample Roof Truss Layout Diagram
Dimensional Lumber (stick-framed)
- Provide the size of lumber, on-centre measurements and span
- Provide connection details to the existing building
- Sample Stick-Framed Roofs Diagram

Unheated Room Addition

(Sunrooms, Mudrooms, Three-season rooms and Attached Garages/Carport(s))

Unheated rooms such as sunrooms, mudrooms, three-season rooms and attached garages/carport(s) are an extension to the living space without a heating system. Screened-in porches or patios are also considered an unheated room addition.

These types of additions require additional application documents to the unenclosed addition requirements. The required documents include, but are not limited to, site plans, architectural drawings (floor plans, elevation drawings), sections and details, and engineered stamped drawings.

Site Plan

The site plan shows the entire existing property. City staff need the site plan to understand where the proposed addition will be located on the site.

The site plan must include:

A north arrow
Property address
Corresponding streets and avenues
Dimensions of property lines
Location, measurements, and setbacks of proposed and existing buildings and structures
Identify applicable caveats, covenants, easements

Drawings requirements:

Prepared by a person skillful in technical drawing, draftsperson, or professional
Minimum scale: 1/8"=1'-0" or 1:100; Preferred scale: 3/16"=1'-0" or 1:75
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Sample Drawings - Sunroom Site Plan

Floor Plans

A floor plan shows the layout of the inside of your home. City staff require a detailed floor plan to ensure your application follows the zoning bylaw and meets minimum building code requirements.

Floor plans must include:

Property address
Existing floor layout of the home (stairs, doors, windows, walls), and indicating the location of the addition
Proposed addition floor layout, including
Location of walls, posts, stairs and railings
Exterior dimensions of the addition
Room labels (living room, dining room, washroom, kitchen)

Drawings requirements:

Prepared by a person skillful in technical drawing, draftsperson, or professional
Minimum scale: 1/8"=1'-0" or 1:100; Preferred scale: 3/16"=1'-0" or 1:75
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Sample Drawings - Sunroom Floor Plan and Elevations

Elevation Drawings

Elevation drawings must include:

Show existing exterior walls and proposed additions, including roofs, posts and railings, and their dimensions
Wall construction details including framing member stud size and spacing and insulation values
Specify finishing materials for walls (brick, stucco), roof (asphalt shingle, concrete tile), fascia, soffit and others
Provide proposed addition dimensions:
- Addition width
- Addition length
- Grade to top of finished floor
- Top of finished floor to bottom of eaves
- Bottom of eaves to roof ridge
- Eave sizes
For side elevations, provide the dimensions of the existing house exterior walls, including the sizes of the window openings.

Drawings requirements:

Prepared by a person skillful in technical drawing, draftsperson, or professional
Minimum scale: 1/8"=1'-0" or 1:100; Preferred scale: 3/16"=1'-0" or 1:75
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Sample Drawings - Sunroom Floor Plan and Elevations

Sections and Details

A section is a view of a building that shows the structure bisected along an imaginary plane. They clarify building height, headroom heights, floor-to-floor heights, and the building structure. Details show more views of parts of the building.

Sections and details drawings must include:

Sections through the highest roof structure and other locations as needed to clarify construction including headroom under roofs of half-storeys

Structural and Engineering Documents

If there are any changes to the structure of the house (beams, posts supporting beams, load-bearing walls, floors, wall opening enlargement or new openings in foundation walls), engineer-stamped drawings of the proposed changes are required.

As outlined below, structural and engineering documents include foundation plan, roof design or engineering drawings.

Foundation Plan
- Foundation design identifies that the weight or load of the project area is being adequately and safely supported.
- When a roof structure is being constructed, construction details are required to show how it will be supported.
- If supported by a foundation that can not be referenced in the National Building Code - Alberta Edition (NBC - AE) (Example: concrete or steel pile foundations) site-specific engineering and stamped drawings are required.
- Retaining walls attached to the house require engineering drawings (including below grade entrances).

Roof design or engineering

Roof designs show how the roof of the project is being adequately and safely constructed. Typical roofs will be constructed using engineered truss products, or stick-framed with dimensional lumber.

Sample Engineered roof and floor layouts
- Engineered roof truss layout diagram . Do not submit individual truss detail sheets. Factory-supplied “Inspector Copy” package of roof truss shop drawings must be provided for inspection.
- Engineered floor joist layout diagrams , from the uppermost to the lowest storey.
- Roof and floor supplier letter(s) : Supplier’s letter, design drawings, and placement diagram are required to be submitted with the permit application.
- Sample Roof Truss Layout Diagram
Dimensional Lumber (stick-framed)
- Provide the size of lumber, on-centre measurements and span
- Provide connection details to the existing building
- Sample Stick-Framed Roofs Diagram

Kits and Pre-assembled Structures

Kits and pre-assembled structures—like sunrooms—may require an engineer’s review.

Many kits, packages, and pre-assembled structures may not meet Alberta Safety Codes standards. That’s why it’s important, when using a kit structure as part of a building addition, to check to see if the kit or pre-assembled structure has approval for use in Edmonton.

Engineering documents may be requested when the application is reviewed by City staff. If placing a pre-assembled structure on an existing deck, the foundation of the deck needs to be reviewed for the new loads that are being applied to it.

House Expansion and Additional Storey(s)

House expansion and additional storey(s) projects add additional space to a building that includes a heating system, such as heated sunrooms (four-season), second or third-storey additions, and expansion above or below the ground-level living space.

These additions have the most complex application requirements of the home addition project types and may take longer to review.

Site Plan

The site plan shows the entire existing property. City staff need the site plan to understand where the proposed addition will be located on the site.

The site plan must include:

A north arrow
Property address
Corresponding streets and avenues
Dimensions of property lines
Location, measurements, and setbacks of proposed and existing buildings and structures
Identify applicable caveats, covenants, easements

Drawings requirements:

Prepared by a person skillful in technical drawing, draftsperson, or professional
Minimum scale: 1/8"=1'-0" or 1:100; Preferred scale: 3/16"=1'-0" or 1:75
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Sample Drawings - House Expansion and Additional Storey(s)

Floor Plans

The floor plan shows the layout of the inside of your home. City staff require a detailed floor plan to ensure your application follows the zoning bylaw and meets minimum building code requirements.

Floor plans must include:

Property address
Existing floor layout of the home (stairs, doors, windows, walls), and indicating the location of the addition
Proposed addition floor layout, including
- Location of walls, posts, stairs and railings
- Exterior dimensions of the addition
Room labels (living room, dining room, washroom, kitchen)

Drawings requirements:

Prepared by a person skillful in technical drawing, draftsperson, or professional
Minimum scale: 1/8"=1'-0" or 1:100; Preferred scale: 3/16"=1'-0" or 1:75
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Sample Drawings - House Expansion and Additional Storey(s)

Elevation Drawings

Elevation drawings show the exterior of your house from all sides including the location and dimensions of walls, doors and windows, as well as finishing materials. City staff require elevation drawings to understand how the addition will change the exterior look of the house and to review the dimensions and materials of the proposed addition.

Elevation drawings must include:

Show existing exterior walls and proposed additions, including roofs, posts and railings, and their dimensions
Wall construction details including framing member stud size and spacing and insulation values
Specify finishing materials for walls (brick, stucco), roof (asphalt shingle, concrete tile), fascia, and soffit
Provide proposed addition dimensions:
- Addition width
- Addition length
- Grade to top of the finished floor
- Top of the finished floor to bottom of eaves
- Bottom of eaves to the roof ridge
- Eave sizes

Drawings requirements:

Prepared by a person skillful in technical drawing, draftsperson, or professional
Minimum scale: 1/8"=1'-0" or 1:100; Preferred scale: 3/16"=1'-0" or 1:75
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Sample Drawings - House Expansion and Additional Storey(s)

Sections and Details

Sections and details drawings must include:

Sections through the highest roof structure and other locations as needed to clarify construction including headroom under roofs of half-storeys
Fully labelled sections of all assemblies forming floors, walls, and roofs, including assemblies corresponding to National Building Code - Alberta Edition (NBC- AE) section 9.36
Clearly-defined position of air barrier on the assembly details

Sample Drawings - House Expansion and Additional Storey(s)

Structural and Engineering Documents

As outlined below, structural and engineering documents include foundation plan, roof design or engineering drawings.

Foundation Plan
- Foundation designs identify that the weight or load of the project area is being adequately and safely supported.
- Window openings greater than 1.2m require an engineering detail (National Building Code - Alberta Edition (NBC-AE) section 9.15.4.3.3)
- Concrete foundation walls greater than 3m in height may require engineering (NBC-AE section 9.15.4.2.). Concrete foundations that utilize lateral bracing methods not noted in the NBC-AE require engineering (NBC-AE section 9.15.4.3.2.).
- Lateral bracing is required where backfill height exceeds NBC-AE:Table 9.15.4.2.A
- Foundation wall reinforcement details are required for floor openings, such as stairs, adjacent to the foundation wall.
- Retaining walls attached to the house require engineering drawings (includes below grade entrances)
Roof design or engineering
Roof designs show how the roof of the project is being adequately and safely constructed. There are different ways to design a roof for an addition from manufactured roof trusses and stick framing.
Engineered roof and floor layouts
- Sample engineered roof truss layout diagram . Do not submit individual truss detail sheets. Factory-supplied “Inspector Copy” package of roof truss shop drawings must be provided for inspection.
- Sample engineered floor joist layout diagrams , from the uppermost to the lowest storey.
- Sample roof and floor supplier letter(s) : 1 or 2, depending on manufacturer component source.
- Sample Roof Truss Layout Diagram
Dimensional Lumber (stick-framed)
- Provide the size of lumber, on-centre measurements and span
- Provide connection details to the existing building
- Sample Stick-Framed Roofs Diagram

Sample Drawings - House Expansion and Additional Storey(s)

Energy Efficiency and Energy Code Requirements

The National Building Code - Alberta Edition (NBC - AE) provides energy efficiency requirements that have to be met through construction of the building envelope, the sizing and selection of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and water heating equipment, as well as the energy performance compliance for housing.

Alterations of buildings issued after October 31, 2016 are required to meet the requirements of Section 9.36 of the National Building Code Alberta Edition (NBC - AE) or National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) as applicable. Any new work to buildings issued prior to October 31, 2016, is highly recommended to achieve the same requirements.

The NBC 2019 - AE Section 9.36 Energy Efficiency Requirement Guide outlines the three possible paths to achieve the energy efficiency requirement.

Prescriptive Path
Prescriptive with Trade-Off Path
Performance Path

Review the current application checklist, trade-off calculator tool and Edmonton Performance Summary for Energy Advisor listed under the “NBC(AE):9.36” section on edmonton.ca/energycode, and submit with your application.

Alternatively, energy code information such as the insulating efficiency of the property including the RSI calculations can be included in sections and details drawing.

Fire Safety Plan

View the guidelines on how to protect adjacent properties during the construction of single attached and detached homes
Review and post the evacuation plan at the construction site to ensure a safe evacuation of a small building site during a fire emergency

Visit the Construction Site Fire Safety Plan page 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 (see Step 1). Submitting an incomplete application can result in delays.

For Homeowners

Use the online self-serve wizard to submit an application.

Apply Online

For Contractors and Professionals

Submit an application for your client under your business account.

Drop off or Mail-In

Drop off or mail in your application to the Edmonton Service Centre. Applicants need to include:

Home Improvement Permit Application Form
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 City of Edmonton 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.

Manage Application

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.

Manage Application

Cancelling a Permit or Application

Complete and submit the cancellation and refund form if you no longer plan to continue with the work.

Cancellation / Refund Request Form

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.

More Information Requested (MIR) Guide

Step 4: Inspections

Inspection Requirements for Permit Type

Building permit and trade permit inspections are a required part of all residential and commercial construction projects in Edmonton. These 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 the self-serve portal 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.

Permit holders can request an inspection within their self-serve project dashboard under the 'Inspections' heading, or by calling 311.

Learn more about inspections

Please note: When mechanical work like HVAC, electrical, plumbing or gas is involved, separate inspections are required.

Need Help?

Contact our Development Services team to get help with your project.

For General Questions

Appointments

Book an appointment for general questions about your project and the permit requirements:

Phone

311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311)

For More Information

Edmonton Service Centre

Hours of Operation:
8am - 4:30pm
Monday - Friday (by appointment)

Contact Us Online

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

Home Addition Permit

Do I need a permit?

Who can apply?

Fees and Processing Times

Permit Fees

Payment

Application Processing Times

Tips and Professional Support

Tips for Planning Your Project

Hiring Professional Support

Understand Your Location Restrictions

Find the zone and overlay that apply to your property

Covered Deck(s), Porches, Patios, and Veranda

Unheated Room Addition

(Sunrooms, Mudrooms, Three-season rooms and Attached Garages/Carport(s))

House Expansion and Additional Storey(s)

Drop off or Mail-In

Making Changes Before Permit is Issued

Making Changes After Permit is Issued

Cancelling a Permit or Application

Replying to a More Information Request

Inspection Requirements for Permit Type

Need Help?

For General Questions

Appointments

Phone

Related Links

CLICK-Before-You-Dig

Alberta Building Code

EPCOR

ATCO

For More Information

Edmonton Service Centre