When constructing a new commercial or industrial building, The City does a thorough review to ensure the building complies with the bylaw regulations and is compatible with surrounding developments. The application is reviewed by several different departments to help the developer with the connection of services (utilities), access points, pedestrian connections, landscaping requirements, etc.

The City offers pre-development meetings where we can meet with your project team to discuss the proposal before submission of a development permit. All departments who review the development permit attend the meeting and provide valuable preliminary feedback on the project. There are two levels of meeting: first is when you only have a concept plan available, and second where preliminary plans are (80% complete) available. Please email development@reddeer.ca if you would like to set up a pre-development meeting.

Regulations

Different zonings have different regulations for size, placement, height, etc. Please review the regulation table for the appropriate district where your development is located. Part 5 and Part 6 of the bylaw apply to commercial and industrial zonings.

Land Use Bylaw

Constructing an addition is similar to a new building. The City does a thorough review to ensure the building addition complies with the bylaw regulations. The application may be reviewed by several different departments to help the developer with the connection of services (utilities), access points, pedestrian connections, landscaping requirements, etc.

Regulations

Different zonings have different regulations for size, placement, height, etc. Please review the regulation table for the appropriate district where your development is located. Part 5 and Part 6 of the bylaw apply to commercial and industrial zonings.

Land Use Bylaw

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

Can I request a variance to the bylaw?

As part of your Development Permit application, you can request a variance to any of the Land Use 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.

In most cases, it will take 5-7 business days for review. Once reviewed by the Development Officer, the permit is circulated to various City departments, to ensure compliance with all City regulations including access points, utility connections, pedestrian connections, landscaping, etc. 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.

Also important to note, if your project requires a variance to regulations, or is a discretionary use in the Land Use Bylaw, there is a 21-day appeal period after the review and circulation time, 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 commercial building or addition, ensuring it is constructed correctly and is safe for you to use.

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.

In most cases, it will take 14-21 business days to review and issue. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit has been issued. 

What are the fees?

Please refer to 'Schedule A' of the Safety Codes Permit Bylaw 3551/2015 (pdf) to find the associated fees.

Before submitting your permit applications, you need to prepare all the plan documents and forms that are required for your submission. Review the respective requirements list and forms for each permit.

User Guides

These guides will help you prepare and save your required plan documents to submit during your application process.

• Plan and Document Submission Standards for Permits (pdf)
• 9.36 Project Summary Form User Guide (pdf)

Development Permit

• Development Permit Application Requirement List: Commercial/Industrial (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)

Building Permit

• Building Permit Application Requirement List: Commercial/Industrial (pdf)
• Building Permit Application Form (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)
• NECB Project Summary Form (pdf)
• Design-Build Application Form (pdf)

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

How do I apply?

Building Permits and Development Permits

Building Permits and Development Permits can be submitted online using MyPermits. Please ensure you have all the documents and drawings you need for your project by following the requirement list and plan submission standards documents from Step 1: Prepare your documents. You will be required to upload these files to ProjectDox to complete your application. If the application is incomplete, the permit will be returned to you to submit the missing items.

1. Visit MyPermits and complete a Building Permit application.
2. You will receive an email to the address you specified as the applicant inviting you to access your project in ProjectDox for your permit application.
3. Log in to ProjectDox with an existing account or with your temporary password provided in the email.
4. Upload the plan documents you prepared for your application from the Upload & Submit task on your dashboard.

For assistance, refer to our ProjectDox Applicant Guide (pdf).

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

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

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

Good to know info...

Did you know that some email servers will block City of Red Deer emails? These emails will often end up in your junk/spam mail folder! Please add @reddeer.ca as an allowable sender to make sure you are receiving our emails.

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?

Owners:

The City of Red Deer allows owners 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
• Owners 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?

Owners 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 sub-trade 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 of 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.