Building Permits
Thinking of developing your basement? Adding a shed? Most developments require both a development permit and a construction permit. Before you begin a major project, check what permits you need, and what documents you must provide.
The Alberta Building Code regulates techniques and materials used in building construction, the occupancy and the use of buildings and equipment to safeguard the health and safety of building occupants.
Permit combination packages
The City offers two types of permit combination packages making permitting easier than ever.
Package one can be selected for construction projects that require multiple permits on the same project. The applicant can be a resident, builder or contractor.
Package examples can include:
- Detached garage (building, electrical)
- Basement development (building, electrical, plumbing, gas)
- Hot tubs (building, electrical)
- Commercial/industrial improvements (building, electrical, plumbing)
Package two can be selected for new residential construction requested by the builder for trade permits on the same project.
Packages can include:
- Electrical (new wiring, service, underground)
- Plumbing
- Gas
Timeline Targets
| Application Type | Target (Calendar Days)* |
| Residential improvements | 10 |
| Non-residential improvements | 15 |
| Trades (electrical, plumbing, gas) | 3 |
| Inspection scheduling | 7 |
* Assuming complete application.
** New non-residential building permits are not tracked as the volume is low and timelines vary significantly depending on application complexity.
Construction Fire Safety Plan
Starting mid-April, 2025, builders are required to complete a Construction Fire Safety Plan as part of the building permit process for all new residential construction.
Completing a Construction Fire Safety Plan is an important step in preventing fires, protecting personnel from injuries, and providing firefighting crews unobstructed access to construction sites. The Construction Fire Safety Plan will ensure access to all levels of a building on a construction site is predetermined to allow firefighting crews, equipment, and apparatus to effectively control an active fire.
The Construction Fire Safety plan is a requirement of the National Fire Code - 2023 Alberta Edition (NFC-AE, 2023), section 2.2.1.2 (14) of Division C and section 5.6.1.3.
A site specific Construction Fire Safety Plan should be completed and then uploaded and submitted to CityView as part of the building permit application process. Documents are anticipated to be reviewed within three business days.
Common projects that require a permit
You can find guidelines on renovation projects and safety tips on the Safety Codes Council website
Commercial construction and renovation requires permits for both the construction and the change of use. Even if you are not renovating, you may need permits.
Certified technicians must apply for trades permits. Contractors applying for trades permits must have a valid business licence in the City of Spruce Grove.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A deck permit is required if your deck is over 2 ft. high or does not meet the City of Spruce Grove setback requirements. Deck construction regulations can be found in the Alberta Building Code and Section 53 (page 78) of the Land Use Bylaw.
We recommend talking to a Development Officer about your deck plans. They can check your property to ensure that requirements are met.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
When you demolish or remove a structure from a property, you require a demolition permit.
In some cases, you may be replacing the demolished structure with a new structure. If so, you don't need a demolition permit. You can include demolition details on your development or construction permit application instead.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A garage permit is required anytime you are building a new garage or changing your existing garage (size and/or location).
An attached garage is considered part of the home. It is subject to the same setback regulations as the principal building.
Detached garages are separate from the principal building and therefore must comply with regulations described in Section 53 of the Land Use Bylaw and pictured in the provided template.
Please refer to the Alberta Building Code for garage construction requirements.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
Home renovations are interior changes to your home. The types of permits you require depend on the renovations you are doing.
A homeowner can apply for their own permits if they are doing their own renovations. Or, a contractor may apply for the permits if they hold a valid business licence.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
You require a construction permit to add a hot tub to your yard. It is a simple process that ensures the safety of your home and neighborhood.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
Mobile homes, or manufactured homes, require permits for the following.
- Placement of a manufactured home
- Change in lot boundary
- Construction of an accessory building (deck, shed, carport)
- A new roof on the existing manufactured home
- An addition to the existing manufactured home
- Replacement of window and door openings that will be larger in size than the existing openings
- Installation of bay or bowed window
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
You require a building permit any time you are making changes to your basement. It could range from installing walls to a full basement renovation.
If you’re building a legal secondary suite, you require different permits than a basement development.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
Building permits deal with structural stability of buildings and the health and safety of the building's occupants. Development permits deal primarily with a development's impact on surrounding properties. New construction requires both a building permit and a development permit.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A development permit is required for retaining walls.
If the retaining wall is taller than 600 millimeters (1.97 ft.), a building permit is also required.
- When the difference in elevation is more than 600 millimetres (1.97 ft.), guards shall be installed to prevent persons from falling.
- If a retaining wall is taller than 1.2 metres (3.94 ft.), a professional engineer must approve the drawings prior to submission.
The City’s engineering department reviews retaining wall permits when the proposed wall will change the lot grading. The engineering department will look at proximity to property lines, size and impact on the drainage plan.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A secondary suite:
- Is located within, and accessory to, a Principal Single Detached Dwelling.
- Has cooking facilities, food preparation, sleeping and sanitary facilities separate from those of the Principal Dwelling.
- Has a separate entrance from the Principal Dwelling.
There are different regulations for a secondary basement suite, a secondary garden suite and a secondary garage suite. Please refer to the City's Secondary Suite Guide, the Alberta Building Code, and Section 75 of the Land Use Bylaw
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A shed permit is required when
- building a new shed over 10 square meters or
- changing your existing shed that is over 10 square meters.
A shed permit is not required if
- your shed is under 10 square meters and
- meets with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw for setbacks and site coverage.
Please view the Alberta Building Code for regulations on shed construction.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A construction and development permit is required when
- the size of the swimming pool is less than 10 square meters
- the depth of the swimming pool is deeper than 2 ft.
A construction permit is required when
- the size of the swimming pool is less than 10 square meters
- the depth of the swimming pool is less than 2 ft. deep
- the swimming pool meets the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw for setbacks and site coverage
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
A construction permit is required when a temporary tent or structure is larger than 10 square meters.
A construction permit is not required if
- your tent is under 10 square meters and
- meets the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw for setbacks and site coverage.
More information
Find more information about fees and how to submit permit applications.
Fees
Building permit fees vary depending on your project.
- Estimate fees online using a free, secure account on the CityView Portal OR
- refer to Development Fees and Fines.
Double fees will apply to work done prior to permit approval.
A 4% Safety Codes Council Fee will be added to all permits (minimum $4.50).
Inspection timelines
Building permits
| Permit Type | Criteria | Required Inspections | Expiry |
| Demolition | N/A | Final | 1 year |
| Building | Project Value <=$50,000 | Final | 1 year |
| Building | Professional Involvement Required, Project Value >$50,000 and <=$200,000 | In-progress, Final | 2 years |
| Building | Professional Involvement Required, Project Value >$200,000 | Foundation, Framing, Final | 2 years |
Building permits: part 3 buildings*
| Permit Type | Criteria | Required Inspections | Expiry |
| Building | Project Value>$50,000 and <=$200,000 | In-progress, Final | 1 year |
| Building | Project Value >$200,000 | Foundation, Framing, Final | 2 years |
*Buildings exceeding 600m2 or more than 3 storeys tall
Building Permits: part 9 buildings*
| Permit Type | Criteria | Required Inspections | Expiry |
| Building | Project Value >$50,000, Group C Land Use | Foundation, Framing, Insulation, Final | 2 years |
| Building | Project Value >$50,000, Group B4, D, E, F2, F3 Land Uses | Foundation, Framing, Final | 2 years |
*Buildings less than 600m2 or less than 3 storeys tall
Occupancy Classifications
Group A1: Assembly occupancy (Performing arts)
Group A2: Assembly occupancy (Other than A1/A3 & A4)
Group A3: Assembly occupancy (Arena type)
Group A4: Assembly occupancy (Open air)
Group B1: Detention occupancy
Group B2: Treatment occupancy
Group B3: Care occupancy
Group B4: Home-type care occupancy
Group C: Residential occupancy
Group D: Business and person services occupancies
Group E: Mercantile occupancy
Group F1: High-hazard industrial occupancy
Group F2: Medium-hazard industrial occupancy
Group F3: Low-hazard industrial occupancy
How to apply for a building permit
Apply online for a building permit using the CityView Portal.
Need help with your application? View step-by-step instructions.
Questions?
Make sure to check out our FAQs below. If you have any other questions about building permits, please contact Planning and Development.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The application will require the contractor name, master electrician/journeyman name and phone number, and all relevant information for each permit. This includes the area, cost of installation, number of fixtures or number of outlets.
*Each contractor must hold a valid business licence at the time of application.
Yes, the contractor information is required with the application and the contractor must hold a valid business licence. The cost of installation is also required at the time of the permit application.
Either the applicant or the contractors listed on the application can pay any owing fees.
Either the applicant or any of the contractors listed on the application can request inspections.
Yes, all permits and reports are visible in the CityView Portal account of the builder, and all contractors who are listed on the application will be able to see permit applications.
The builder can track the status of all trades permits up to occupancy, monitor the outcome of all inspections and expiry dates, and has the flexibility to pay fees themselves or request the contractor pay fees.
Construction fencing is required when there is a safety concern to the public between a public way and the building until this safety hazard is no longer existing.
The building codes are the same throughout the province of Alberta. The national building codes are adopted by the Province and become the Alberta Edition (National Building Code 2023-Alberta Edition).
Yes, a site address must be posted at all times during construction and be clearly visible from the street.
- If the deck is greater than 0.6m in height, a building permit is required
- If the deck has a height of 0.6m or less and meets minimum required setbacks to property lines, a building permit is not required
- Please refer to CityView for required documents in your deck building project application
- Building and development permits are required for secondary suites
- Please refer to CityView for required documents in your secondary suite project application
- A building permit is required to finish a basement
- Please refer to CityView for required documents in your basement renovation project application
The Alberta Building Code regulates techniques and materials used in building construction, the occupancy and the use of buildings and equipment to safeguard the health and safety of building occupants. The Building Permit allows for an inspection of the existing building to ensure the building meets the health and safety regulations of the Alberta Building Code.
- A structure size that is 10 m2 (108 sq. ft.) or larger in area.
- Any situation where health or safety of the public is affected.
- A demolition/moving permit is NOT required for the removal of fences, driveways or decks.