Building Permits

You may need to get a development permit before applying for a building permit. Visit Home Improvement Projects or For Development Professionals for guidance specific to your project type.

Building permits are not required for:

• Construction, including renovations or additions, valued at $5,000 or less, if there are no health or safety concerns and no structural changes are involved.
• Painting, decorating, re-roofing or re-siding without structural changes and without health or safety impacts.
• Replacing or altering ducting serving a space-heating appliance in a single-family home, if no design change to the heating and ventilation system is required.

Review the permit fee schedule.

You may apply for a homeowner permit only if:

• You own and reside at the building (or will reside there once construction is complete).
• You will personally perform the work.
• All work will comply with the Alberta Building Code.

You cannot apply for a homeowner permit if:

• You do not own and live at the property.
• You are not personally doing the work.

If you are constructing your own home, you must obtain Owner Builder Authorization from the Government of Alberta.

A building permit will not be issued without a valid home warranty number or proof of Owner Builder Authorization. A corporation is not eligible for Owner Builder Authorization.

If you do not have construction experience, it is recommended that you hire a qualified contractor. Only eligible professionals can apply for most permits, and work done by unqualified persons may require costly corrections or pose safety risks.

Builders must be registered users of the Builder's Portal and must provide a valid home warranty number before a building permit can be issued. If building rental apartments, a rental industry exemption is also required.

Most new homes in Alberta need to have warranty coverage. For more information, please visit alberta.ca. 

Once a complete application with all required documentation is received, the processing time for a building permit is a minimum of five business days and a maximum of 15 business days. 

Work must begin within 90 days of the permit issuance. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to ensure that all required inspections are completed.

To request an inspection:

• Complete the Inspections Request form.
• Call Pulse at 780-743-7000, or Inspections at 780-743-7813.
• Email inspections@rmwb.ca.
• Visit us in person at 9909 Franklin Avenue.

Permits remain valid for one year if work is actively progressing.

A building permit will expire if:

• Work does not begin within 90 days of issuance, or
• No work is completed for 120 consecutive days.