Your home is considered the primary building on your property, anything else constructed is considered an accessory building or structure. 

This could include:

• Detached garages
• Sheds
• Gazebos
• Workshops
• Greenhouses
• Pergolas
• Arbours
• Carports

When planning to build a detached garage, or other type of accessory structure on your property, consider the placement, height, and size of the structure, to ensure it complies with the regulations below:

These regulations apply to the majority of properties. Some exceptions may exist.

Placement

• Cannot be located over a gas line
• Make sure to call Alberta One-Call
• May not be located in a front yard
• The minimum distance from a side property line is 0.90 m (3’)
  • Corner properties may vary
• The distance from a rear property line varies for each property – see images
• Property without a utility right-of-way Garage - No URW (pdf)
• Property with a utility right-of-way Garage - With URW (pdf)
• Corner Property Garage - Corner Site (pdf)  

Size

• The total site coverage of all buildings can range from 40-45 per cent of the lot for most properties. You can find the maximum site coverage of your zone in The City's Zoning Bylaw 3357/2024 - Part 6 - Residential Districts and Regulations (pdf)
• The maximum width of a detached garage or similar structure is 2/3 the width of the lot
• Here are some example calculations for reference Site Coverage Calculation Example (pdf)

Height

• The maximum height is 5.0m (16'4”) and one-storey
• Height is measured from grade to peak
• If the grade is sloped, then the average height is used

A Development Permit and a Building Permit are required for accessory buildings that are: 

• Greater than 10m² (107 sq.ft.); or
• Less than 10m² (107 sq.ft.), but over 2.8m (9 ft.) high

If the accessory structure is smaller than the criteria above, permits are not required, but must still comply with the placement on the property, of being a minimum distance of 0.9m (3') from the side and rear property lines.

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?

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

In most cases, it will take 5-7 business days for review and decision. 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 in the Zoning Bylaw, there is a 21-day appeal period 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 detached garage or similar structure, 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 7-10 business days to review and issue. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit has been issued. 

What are the fees?

The fees have recently been updated, please refer to revised Schedule A for current fees: Safety Codes Fee Schedule April 2024 (pdf)

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

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)

Development Permit

• Development Permit Application - Accessory Building (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)

Building Permit

• Building Permit - Accessory Building Application Requirement List (pdf)
• Building Permit Application Form (pdf)
• Accessory Building Application Detail Sheet (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)

Examples

If you are unsure of anything on the application requirement list, we have provided example applications to help you out!

• EXAMPLE Development Permit Application - Accessory Building (pdf)
• EXAMPLE Building Permit Application - Accessory Building (pdf)

How do I apply?

Apply online:

Following the instructions provided, use MyPermits and ProjectDox to submit your Building and Development Permit applications.

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

Step 1: Enter permit and project information through MyPermits. (you'll be doing this step twice; 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 permit requirements to ProjectDox, The City's online plan submission system.  

After you've have submitted your permit application, keep an eye on your email. You will receive notifications as your permit progresses through its review. 

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

Good to know

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?

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 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.