Hot Tubs and whirlpools require a building permit and a development permit, in some cases, if they have water greater than 2 feet deep. Mechanical permits are also usually required.
Hot tubs or whirlpools are considered the same as swimming pools under the Alberta Building Code, where safety regulations are applied when the depth of water is greater than 600 mm (24 inches).
Permanent hot tubs and whirlpools require both an electrical permit and a building permit, regardless of whether they are standalone or built into a deck. Temporary hot tubs and whirlpools do not usually require a development permit but may still require a building permit.
Any mechanical work involved in the installation of the hot tub will require separate mechanical permits since mechanical work is not included in the building permit. (See Electrical, Plumbing and Gas for more information).
Guidelines
The Alberta Building Code requires that the contained body of water be as safe as possible at all times.
Conditions
To prevent drowning, a hot tub must be protected from unauthorized access by a fence, wall or enclosure that has a minimum height of 1.8 meters (6 ft) and can't be climbed from the outside. Openings for access through the fence must be protected by:
- A gate the same height as the fence, and
- A self closing and self-latching device that is capable of being locked and is installed on the inside of the gate at least 1.5 m (5 ft) above the ground level
For more information:
Fence Exemptions
A gated fence is not required if the hot tub:
- Does not exceed 2.4 m (8 ft) across the widest portion of its water surface
- Has a lockable cover strong enough to support the weight of an adult walking across the top
- Is covered and locked whenever the hot tub is unsupervised
Hot Tub in a Deck
If you plan on installing a hot tub in your deck, you must also include the following information with your application:
- Elevation plans
- Floor plans
- Cross section plans
- Construction details
Related Information:
When a Development Permit is Required
A development permit is required for a proposed hot tub if it's on a property that is next to a valley or ravine as identified in the North Saskatchewan Valley and Ravine System Protection Overlay.
A development permit is not required if the proposed hot tub meets the required setbacks for accessory structures, as outlined in Section 50.3(5) of the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw. Otherwise, a development permit is required.
Application Procedure
Apply Online
Create an account, apply, pay and check application status.
Homeowners
Contractors and Professionals
Apply In Person
If there is an existing fence around your property and it meets the requirements, submit a letter of confirmation along with your application.
- Fill in the Residential Construction Application form
When you submit your application, you must include:
- A Site Plan:
- Indicating where you intend to install a hot tub and distances to all property lines
- Location of all other structures on your property
- Specification details which include: make, model, cover details, specifications and support details
- Letter from the supplier (Confirming that the cover meets ASTM F1346-91 standards) or one of the following:
- Gated Fence
- To prevent drowning, a hot tub must be protected from unauthorized access by a fence, wall or enclosure that has a minimum height of 1.8 meters (6 ft) and can't be climbed from the outside. Openings for access through the fence must be protected by
- A gate the same height as the fence, and
- A self-closing and self-latching device that is capable of being locked and is installed on the inside of the gate at least 1.5 m (5 ft) above the ground level
- Fence Exemptions: Locking Cover
- A gated fence is not required if the hot tub:
- Does not exceed 2.4 m (8 ft) across the widest portion of its water surface
- Has a lockable cover strong enough to support the weight of an adult walking across
- Is covered and locked whenever the hot tub is unsupervised
- A gated fence is not required if the hot tub:
- Gated Fence
Processing
A Development Officer reviews the application using the Zoning Bylaw regulations.
Once your development permit is approved, the plans are then examined by a Safety Codes Officer using the Alberta Building Code.
If your development application is refused, you can appeal the Development Officer’s decision to:
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board
10019 103 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 0G9
Telephone: 780-496-6079
Inspections
After your application has been reviewed and the appropriate permits(s) issued, applicants are required to contact the City of Edmonton Call Centre at 311 and arrange for inspections. All inspections must be passed.
To prepare for the required inspections in occupied homes, please ensure:
- an individual 18 years of age or older who is responsible for the property is present during the inspection
- clear and unobstructed access to all areas of inspection is provided
- all pets are securely contained
Please note: the Safety Codes Officers are required to wear shoes while performing their duties in your home.
| In Person |
Urban Form and Economy Hours of Operation: 8am-4:30pm |
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Mailing address is listed above. Cheques must be payable to the City of Edmonton. Please allow for additional processing time when applications are mailed. |
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| By Phone |
311
780-442-5311 |
2023 Fees
Effective January 1, 2023
Development permit fee: $125
Building permit fee: $115
The safety code fee: $4.60