The Safety Codes branch provides the services and advice essential to see the safe and successful completion of construction and renovation projects, including all construction permitting and inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What work needs permits? |
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Altering, demolishing, constructing, relocating or making changes to an occupancy are only some of the processes that require a building permit. Altering or adding to an electrical, plumbing, gas or private sewage system will also require a permit within that discipline. Occupying a building or portion of a building will require an occupancy permit. Modifying, installing or adding to a gas appliance venting will require a gas appliance vent permit. |
| Can I start my project before the permit is granted? |
| No. You must wait for the permit to be issued before starting the work. |
| How long is my permit valid? Can it be extended? |
| A permit is valid for one year from issuance, subject to the work commencing within 90 days and not suspended or abandoned for more than 120 days. A one-time extension of 90 days may be granted upon receipt of a written request. |
| Why is ATCO installing Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) meters? |
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AMI meters are being installed in Alberta communities as previous meters reach their end of the certified product lifecycle and become obsolete. AMI meters are the next generation of electricity meters and just like upgrading your cell phone, we're upgrading meters for our customers. Visit ATCO Electric - AMI Meters for more information. |
| I didn't finish my project in time. Can I extend my permit? For how long? |
| Upon receipt of a written request from the applicant, an extension of 90 days may be granted. |
| How will I know my work is compliant? |
| Book an inspection by filling out the inspection request form or contacting Pulse. |
| Why are homeowner's fees higher than contractor's fees? |
| Since homeowners are typically not qualified tradespeople, homeowner's fees are slightly higher than contractor's fees to reflect the additional assistance Safety Codes officers provide homeowners during the inspection process. |
| What is a stop work notice? When is it issued? |
| A notice to stop work may be issued by a Safety Codes officer if the work being performed is non-compliant with the Safety Codes Act. This can include starting work without permits or constructing in non-compliance with the code. Stop work notices are issued to the permit holder or owner. |
| I was charged a no entry fee. Why? |
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A no entry fee is applied to a permit if the safety codes officer cannot gain access to a locked property that has requested an inspection. Fees are payable through your e-permitting account. |
| What is a re-inspection fee? |
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A re-inspection fee is an additional fee imposed for reasons such as no visible addressing at a municipal address, an officer cannot access the building (due to a locked door or unsafe access), work is not substantially complete for that period of inspection or a previously identified deficiency has not been corrected. Fees are payable through your e-permitting account. |
| What is a municipal tag? |
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An officer may issue a municipal tag to a person that is believe to have contravened any part of the Safety Codes Permitting Bylaw. The fee payment is due within 14 days of receiving the tag. Failure to make payment may lead to a further violation ticket, which is payable in provincial court. Fees are payable through your e-permitting account. |
| What is a violation ticket? |
| If a penalty on an issued municipal tag is not paid in time or a person is believed to have contravened any part of the Safety Codes Permitting Bylaw, a Peace officer is authorized to issue a violation ticket to that person. A violation ticket is payable in provincial court. |
Safety Codes Glossary
| Alberta Safety Codes Act |
| The Alberta Safety Codes Act establishes a unifying framework for the administration of 10 safety disciplines, which each have their own safety codes and standards. |
| Alberta Safety Codes Council |
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The Alberta Safety Codes Council is responsible to the Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs and works under authority of the Safety Codes Act, which was passed in June 1991. Since 1993, the Safety Codes Council has been responsible for all aspects of the safety system, including accrediting the municipalities, corporations and agencies that sell permits and inspect the work carried out under these permits; certifying and training Safety Codes Officers who do the inspections; administering the Alberta Master Electrician Program, as well as developing, enhancing and supporting Information Technology safety system applications. |
| Building Safety Codes Officers |
| Safety codes officers inspect the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of structures and systems to ensure compliance with relevant codes, standards, and regulations. Safety codes officers are involved with the elements of public safety covered by the Safety Codes Act and the Alberta Building Code. |
| Development Permit |
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This is a document issued by a planner in the Planning and Development department. Before some work can commence, development approval must be granted by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo under its Land Use Bylaw authorizing development, including excavation, stockpiling, building additions and a change in use or intensity of the use of the land or building, to proceed. |
| Plans Examiner |
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The Plans examiner reviews plans and specifications for compliance with codes and ordinances and meets and confers with the applicants at the permit services counter. The examiner reviews building plans and specification for construction, improvement, repair and change of use. |
| Safety Codes Council Levy |
| A levy is collected on each permit issued and given to the Alberta Safety Codes Council. The permit levies structure for building, plumbing, gas and electrical permits will be a minimum of $4.50 or four per cent of the permit cost (whichever is greater up to a maximum of $560). |
| Safety Code Permit |
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Permits ensure that any installation will conform to the safety standards that have been adopted under the Safety Codes Act, and that inspection(s) will be provided by certified Safety Codes Officers. Inspections are mandatory when a permit is issued. |
| Safety Codes Permitting Bylaw |
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The Safety Codes Permitting Bylaw (Bylaw No. 17/023) establishes requirements for safety code permitting in the Municipality. |
| Uniform Quality Management Plan (UQMP) |
| A Quality Management Plan is a document in which an organization (e.g. municipality, regional services commission, corporation, agency) describes the disciplines (or parts of disciplines) and extent of safety services it intends to provide when it becomes accredited. |