This is information for building a new single family, semi-detached (duplex), or multi-attached (triplex) dwelling on an empty lot.
Generally development in a new neighbourhood is straightforward. The land has been zoned for residential dwellings, the development is usually a permitted use and the applications don’t take too long to process.
Different zonings have different regulations for size, placement, height, etc. Please review the regulation table for the appropriate district where your development is located.
Zoning Bylaw 3357/2024 - Part 6 - Residential Districts and Regulations (pdf)
New construction in an existing neighbourhood is considered redevelopment. Redevelopment is the construction of a new building on sites that are vacant or sites with an existing dwelling to be demolished and re-built. These applications are more complex because redevelopment usually occurs in mature established neighbourhoods and anything new needs to be compatible with existing development.
For the most part size, placement, height, etc. are as per the district regulations. Please review the regulation table for the appropriate district where your development is located.
Zoning Bylaw 3357/2024 - Part 6 - Residential Districts and Regulations (pdf)
Some neighbourhoods have additional regulations, such as Riverside Meadows, West Park, Waskasoo and Woodlea. Older neighbourhoods, developed prior to 2001, are also considered mature neighbourhoods. These regulations are found in the Overlay Districts and should be reviewed.
Zoning Bylaw 3357/2024 - Part 9 - Overlay and Other Districts and Regulations (pdf)
Examples of additions include adding a new room which increases the footprint of the house, bay window or cantilever construction, sun room, covered deck or porch development, and attached garages or carports.
The size, placement, height, etc. of an addition are as per the district regulations. Please review the regulation table for the appropriate district where your development is located.
Zoning Bylaw 3357/2024 - Part 6 - Residential Districts and Regulations (pdf)
Learn about the different criteria that we review before issuing a Development Permit and a Building Permit.
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.
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.
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 or is a discretionary use (redevelopment) in the Zoning Bylaw, there is a 21-day appeal period before the permit can be issued, if approved.
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 dwelling, ensuring it is constructed correctly and is safe for you to use.
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.
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 residential dwellings.
Check out what is included with each step of the process, from preparing your documents to beginning construction.
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 (pdf) with the application package.
If you are a contractor requiring a City of Red Deer Business Licence, please visit our Licensing page before submitting your permit application.
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.
These guides will help you prepare and save your required plan documents to submit during your application process.
*NOTE – the detailed calculations for 9.36 are not required with your application but must be available for future reference.
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 permits, 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:
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.
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:
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.
Homeowners and contractors can apply online using MyPermits, or submit an application form via email to inspections@reddeer.ca.
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.
If you obtain multiple sub-trades permits, these inspections will apply to each permit type.
Once your Safety Codes Building Permit has been approved and issued, you will receive an email with instructions of how to schedule an inspection.
You will receive an email notification informing you of the outcome of each inspection.
Email: inspections@reddeer.ca
Phone: 403-342-8190
In person: Main floor of City Hall, 4914 48 Avenue
City Hall is open between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and statutory holidays.