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.
If you are starting or moving a business, our Checklist for Small Businesses may help you with your application package.
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.
Applying for a permit
You can now apply online for construction and trades permits.
Common projects
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.
Required documents vary depending on your project. Before you begin a major project, check what permits you need, and what documents you must provide.
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. We recommend talking to a Development Officer about your deck plans. They can your property to ensure that requirements are met.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
What documents do I need to submit?
Before you begin a project, check what permits you need and what documents you must provide.
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 the following regulations.
- Located a minimum of 1 m or 2 m from the dwelling. Please contact Development Officer to determine what setback is required for your district.
- Not closer than 1 m (3.3 ft.) to the rear property line.
- Not closer than 1 m (3.3 ft.) to the side property line.
- Where vehicle doors of the garage face a side yard, the garage shall be no closer than 6 m (19.7 ft.) from the opposite side property line.
- Where zero side yard setbacks are permitted, the Development Officer may consider a zero side yard setback for a garage if it is located on the same property line as an existing principal building at a zero side yard setback.
- No encroachment of any part of a building onto public utility lots, easements or road rights-of-way.
- Garage height shall not exceed 4.5 m (14.8 ft.) from final grade to the peak.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
What documents do I need to submit?
Before you begin a project, check what permits you need and what documents you must provide.
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. Before you begin a project, check what permits you need, and what documents you must provide.
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.
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.
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.
What documents do I need to submit?
Before you begin a project, check what permits you need and what documents you must provide.
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
What documents do I need to submit?
Before you begin a project, check what permits you need and what documents you must provide.
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.
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.
What documents do I need to submit?
Before you begin a project, check what permits you need, and what documents you must provide.
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.
Construction 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 construction permit and a development permit.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
What documents do I need to submit?
Before you begin a project, check what permits you need and what documents you must provide.
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.
What documents do I need to submit?
Before you begin a project, check what permits you need and what documents you must provide.
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.
What documents do I need to submit?
Before you begin a project, check what permits you need and what documents you must provide.
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.
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.
| Size and depth of swimming pool | Required permits |
|
More than 10 square meters |
Development permit |
|
Less than 10 square meters |
Construction permit |
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
What documents do I need to submit?
Before you begin a project, check what permits you need and what documents you must provide.
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.
Timing
A permit could take three to four weeks to issue. Apply as early as possible for your permits.
What documents do I need to submit?
Before you begin a project, check what permits you need and what documents you must provide.
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).
Submit permit applications
Apply online for permit applications using the CityView Portal.
Need help? Help is available online 24/7.