Regulations

Different zones have different regulations for size, placement, height, etc. Find your property's zone using the 'Search' function and the 'Zoning' theme on the Interactive City Map. 

Once you know your property's zone (ex. R-L, R-M, etc.), review its permitted and discretionary uses and other applicable regulations, under 'Residential Zones' of the Zoning Bylaw.  

Required Permits

The primary permits required for new construction are Building and Development Permits. See below why each permit is required.

You may also require subtrades permits to complete the construction of your project (electrical, gas, heating, plumbing).

Note: Please ensure that prior to turning the water on to the Site, a water meter is installed and a City utility account is created. Failure to do so, and to connect directly to City water without a water meter, is a contravention of The City’s Utility Bylaw. Any inquiries related to water meters can be directed to 403-342-8750 or water@reddeer.ca.

Redevelopment is the construction of a new building on a vacant site in a developed neighbourhood or where an existing dwelling is to be demolished and rebuilt. 

Regulations

Find your property's zone using the 'Search' function and the 'Zoning' theme on the Interactive City Map. 

Once you know your property's zone (ex. R-L, R-M, etc.), review its permitted and discretionary uses and other applicable regulations, under 'Residential Zones' of the Zoning Bylaw.  

Some neighbourhoods have additional requirements. In the Zoning Bylaw, search the sections below to learn more about these additional requirements, including but not limited to:

• 'Developed Areas Regulations' 
• 'Overlays, Modifiers, and Character Statements'

For further questions or specific information, please email development@reddeer.ca with your site address and inquiry. 

Required Permits

The primary permits required for redevelopment are Building and Development Permits. See below why each permit is required.

You may also require subtrades permits to complete the construction of your project (electrical, gas, heating, plumbing).

Examples of additions include adding a new room which increases the footprint of the house, bay window or cantilever construction, sunroom, enclosed deck, and attached garages or carports.

Regulations

Different zones have different regulations for size, setbacks, height, etc.
Find your property's zone using the 'Search' function and the 'Zoning' layer on the Interactive City Map. 

Once you know your property's zone (ex. R-L, R-M, etc.), review its permitted and discretionary uses and other applicable regulations, under 'Residential Zones' of the Zoning Bylaw.  

Required Permits

The primary permits required for an addition are Building and Development Permits. See below why each permit is required.

You may also require subtrades permits to complete the construction of your project (electrical, gas, heating, plumbing).

A Development Permit is required to ensure that the structure you are proposing to build on your property complies with the Zoning Bylaw in regards to placement, size and height. 

Can I build larger than what the bylaw allows?

You can request a variance to any Zoning Bylaw regulations. You will explain why you are asking for the variance, and what makes your site unique that a variance should be considered.

How long does it take to process?

Note: During building season (April 1 - October 31), processing times may take longer, due to the number of applications that are submitted during this time.

Due to legislated timelines set out in the Municipal Government Act (MGA) , Development Officers have 20 days from the receipt of an application to deem it complete or incomplete. Failure to submit a complete application will lead to delays in the approval and issuance of your permit.

In most cases, it will take 7-10 business days for review and decision once an application is deemed complete. Depending on the size or location of the proposed building, consultation with neighbouring landowners may be required. If this is the case for your build, the timeline for review is extended by approximately three weeks.

If your project requires a variance to regulations in the Zoning Bylaw, there is a 21-day appeal period which must be advertised before the permit can be issued, if approved.

What are the fees?

Please refer to 'Schedule A' of the Development Permit Fee Bylaw to find the fees associated with the Development Permit.

A Building Permit is required to review the safety components of constructing a new house or similar structure, ensuring it is constructed correctly and is safe for you to use.

How long does it take to process?

In most cases, it will take 7-10 business days to review and issue a Building Permit.

The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit has been issued and the required subtrades permits have been applied for. 

Note: During building season (April 1 - October 31), processing times may take longer, due to the number of applications that are submitted during this time.

What are the fees?

The fees are subject to change each year at May 1 to be in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

Please refer to Schedule A for current fees:  Safety Codes Fee Schedule (pdf)

The Safety Codes Permit Bylaw 3551/2015 (pdf) will have information pertaining to a Building Permit for your project type.

A homeowner or licensed contractor can submit permit applications. If you are not the owner of the property, you will need to include a Letter of Authorization with the application package.

If you are a contractor requiring a City of Red Deer Business Licence, please visit our Licensing page to obtain a business licence before submitting your permit applications.

Applications can be submitted through the City's online portal: MyPermits 

Watch a step-by-step video guide of the application process. 

Before submitting your permit applications, prepare digital copies of the required plans and documents for your submission.

TIP: Match the names of your plans and documents to those on the requirement list(s).  

Review the respective requirements list for each permit below.

Development Permit

• Development Permit Application Requirement List: Residential (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)
• Development Permit Application - Show Homes (pdf), if applicable

Building Permit

• Building Permit Application Requirement List: Residential (pdf)
• Building Permit Application Form (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)
• Uncovered Deck Detail Sheet (pdf)
• 9.36 Energy Code Project Summary Performance Compliance Calculation Report (pdf)
  • Please refer to the 9.36 Project Summary Form User Guide (pdf) to complete the report

*NOTE – the detailed calculations for 9.36 are not required with your application but it must be available for future reference.

Following the instructions below, use MyPermits and ProjectDox to submit the applicable permit applications for your project.  

Note, each permit and its requirements have to be submitted separately.

Step 1: Enter permit and project information through MyPermits, by clicking the tile below.
(This step will be completed TWICE if both permit types are required for your project; once for the Development Permit application and again for the Building Permit application). 

Step 2: You'll receive an email with instructions on how to upload and submit your required documents to ProjectDox, The City's online plan submission system.

• An instructional email will be sent with each permit application (Development and Building)
• Emails may end up in your junk/spam mail folder. Please add @reddeer.ca as an allowable sender to make sure you are receiving our emails.

Step 3: After you've have submitted your permit applications, keep an eye on your email. Notifications will be sent as your permits progress through their respective reviews. 

Once we receive your complete permit applications, the Development Officer and the Building Safety Codes Officer will conduct a review of the applications, ensuring the proposed development complies with the Zoning Bylaw and the Safety Codes Act, respectively.

You will receive email notifications throughout the application process, including:

• If more information is needed;
• When payment is required;
• When the permit is issued.

You will need additional permits to put in lights and outlets, heat and plumbing.

• Electrical - for wiring outlets and lights or sub-panel
• Heating - for heating devices, such as a wood stove (solid fuel appliance)
• Gas - for gas appliances, such as a unit heater, radiant heater, furnace or a boiler
• Plumbing - for floor drains, sinks, showers, wash stations, etc.

Who can apply?

Homeowners:

The City of Red Deer allows homeowners to obtain permits; however, if you have no previous knowledge or experience with these installations, you should engage the services of a licensed contractor to apply for the required permits and complete the work.

There are a few exceptions:

• Gas Permits may only be obtained by a licensed gasfitter
• Heating Permits may only be obtained by a licensed heating contractor
• Homeowners cannot obtain an Electrical Permit for the following work:
  
  • hot tubs or pools
  • main service or panel changes
  • duplex, townhouse or any unit with a shared wall
  • secondary suites
  • solar panels
  • rental properties
  • electrical car charging stations.

Contractors:

Contractors applying for permits require a valid City of Red Deer Business Licence. Please visit our Licensing page should you require a new or renewed licence prior to applying for your permit.

How do I apply?

Homeowners and contractors can apply online using MyPermits, or submit an application form via email to inspections@reddeer.ca. 

• Electrical Permit Application (pdf)
• Gas Permit Application Form (pdf)
• Heating Permit Application Form (pdf)
• Plumbing Permit Application Form (pdf)

What inspections will I need?

The required inspections will be determined when the Safety Codes Officer reviews your application, and will be listed on the Safety Codes Building Permit when it is approved and issued.

If you've obtained any subtrade permits, you may need two inspections during the course of the respective permit:

1. A rough-in inspection before concealing any work
2. A final inspection once everything is complete

If you obtain multiple sub-trades permits, these inspections will apply to each permit type.

When can I schedule an inspection?

Once your Safety Codes Building Permit has been approved and issued, you will receive an email with instructions outlining how to schedule an inspection.

How do I know the outcome of my inspection(s)?

You will receive an email notification informing you of the outcome of each inspection.