Building Permits

A building permit is your formal permission to begin a construction, demolition, addition or renovation project on your property. Building permits are required for:

• new buildings
• additions to existing buildings
• renovations or alterations
• repairs to existing buildings
• relocation of buildings
• demolition
• change of use in an existing building

The building owner is responsible for complying with building requirements. Failure to get a building permit can cause construction delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.

Applying for a building permit

Building permit applications are available online or in person at the Parkland County Centre, Planning & Development Services Department.

Fees

Fees for building and mechanical permits vary depending on the value and type of project. 

Inspections

List of projects requiring building permits

• new single family dwelling 
• manufactured or mobile home 
• accessory building over 108 sq. ft. in size including:
• detached garages
• workshops
• sheds
• carports
• greenhouses
• gazebos
• pool house or cabanas
• sea-cans (to be used for accessory/storage)
• deck greater than 24 inches above ground level.
• a residential addition to an existing building including:
• second or third story addition
• attached garage
• carport
• sunroom or solarium
• enclosed porches or entranceways

• residential renovations involving any structural changes, such as:

• secondary suite additions
• creating additional rooms
• window or door changes that involve a different size of window or door and the structural support for the opening has to be changed or adding a window or door where there were none before
• skylight where rafters or trusses are altered or removed
• enclosing a deck or patio
• adding, removing or altering a load bearing wall
• basement development if your project includes:
  • adding a bedroom
  • adding a bathroom
  • changing or removing a load bearing wall
  • retaining walls for soils sloped greater than 45 degrees requiring a wall greater than 4 feet affecting a building, public or adjacent property.  Engineering is required.
  • woodstove, fireplace, pellet or coal stove
  • hot tub or swimming pool
  • solar panels affixed to an existing structure, if applicable
  • temporary fabric structure over 646 sq. ft.
  • uncovered stages over 48 inches above ground
  • covered stages
• change a building's use (e.g., garage to living space)
• demolition and removal of any structure

If your project is not listed above, contact the Safety Codes Clerk to discuss the project and confirm if permits are required.