home addition image

An addition is any construction added to the primary building that has a roof or has the structural design that could hold a roof.

About the Service

Additions require both a development and building permit. Some examples of additions include adding a new room, bay window construction, sun room, covered deck or porch development, and attached garages or carports.

Additions that involve mechanical changes also require electrical, heating and ventilation, plumbing, and gas permits.

If your construction changes how you access your property, you will also need a curb crossing permit (contact our office for additional information).

Purpose

The application and permit approval ensures all home additions meet the City of Edmonton's Zoning Bylaw requirements and building standards. Construction details are assessed and approved based on municipal and provincial regulations.

Inspections are done throughout the project to verify each stage of work has been completed to code.

Zoning Regulations

The standards in the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw regulate how high an addition can be, where it can be built, and the amount of area the building can cover depending on what zoning applies to your property. The zoning regulations apply to a typical RF1 (Single Detached Residential) zoned lot.

Other Zoning Requirements

Residential properties can be zoned differently and can be affected by an overlay schedule. To verify the zoning of a property, either visit our office or do an address search on the Edmonton Maps site to determine what the zoning is for a particular property.

Building Design

The Alberta Building Code regulates the construction and safety of structures. For any related inquiries contact our office and speak with a Safety Codes Officer.

Inspections

There are generally four types of building inspections that are required during the construction of an addition. If mechanical work is also involved, separate permits and inspections will be required (see  Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Sewer and Water Permit topics).

  • Footing and foundation inspection
  • Framing inspection
  • Insulation and vapour barrier inspection
  • Final building inspection

You will need to contact our office to arrange for an inspection after each stage is completed. Please refer to the Safety Codes inspection services webpage for information on booking inspections.

How Do I Obtain the Service?

Permits needed

Additions require both a development and building permit. The development and building permits are combined in the Residential Construction Application form. Additions that involve mechanical changes also require electrical, heating and ventilation, plumbing, and gas permits.

If your construction changes how you access your property, you will also need a curb crossing permit (contact our office for additional information).

Unsure Which Permits You Need?

Use the residential permit guide to help determine which permits you need and an estimate of fees before you apply.

Access The Guide

Application Procedure

Create an account, apply, pay and check application status.
Homeowners

Apply

Contractors and Professionals

Apply

Fill in the Home Improvement Permit Paper Application Form.

Include all additional documentation that pertains to the type of construction project. Also ensure you include all applicable fees.

If the residential development permit is for a new building that will be larger than 47 sq. metres (506 sq. ft.), or an addition to or an alteration of an existing building that will result in the building being larger than 47 square metres (506 square feet) the Abandoned Wells Confirmation Form must be submitted with a printout of the map(s) that was used to confirm the absence/presence of abandoned well(s) with the permit application form.

Processing

A development officer reviews the application based on the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw. If a municipal address is required, one will be assigned. In certain circumstances, other departments may review these plans.

  1. Once approved by the development officer, the application is examined by a safety codes officer for approval. It is in this stage a building permit is issued.
  2. If an application is refused, an appeal can be made through the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. Phone: 780-496-6079.
In Person

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

Hours of Operation: 8am–4:30pm Monday through Friday

Mail

Mailing address is listed above. Cheques must be payable to the City of Edmonton. Please allow for additional processing time when applications are mailed.

By Phone 311
Fees
2023 Permit Fees

Effective January 1, 2023

Development permit fee is $335

Building permit fee and safety code fee is based on construction value 

Value of Construction: $0 - $10,000
Building Permit Fee: $116
Safety Code Fee: $4.60

Value of Construction: $10,001-$50,000
Building Permit Fee: $365
Safety Code Fee: $14.60

Value of Construction: $50,001-$100,000
Building Permit Fee: $1015
Safety Code Fee: $40.60

Value of Construction: Over $100,000
Building Permit Fee: $1,975
Safety Code Fee: $79.00

Construction value includes:

  1. 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)
  2. Plumbing components (fixtures, drainage system, venting systems, water systems or any part thereof)
  3. Electrical components
  4. Heating components (systems and equipment for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning)

Construction value does NOT include furnishings, rugs, floor coverings, curtains, etc.

Contact the City About This Service

Edmonton Service Centre

Contact us online

Telephone

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