Types of Permits

Types of Permits

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS

Development permits deal with a development's impact on surrounding properties. A development permit is written approval from the City of Edmonton that ensures the plans comply with the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw.

A development permit must be obtained before:

Constructing a new building
Altering an existing building or
Changing the use or intensity of use of a property
Applying for a business licence
Putting up a sign (except certain temporary signs)

City of Edmonton Planning and Development Department staff can supply information about submitting an application, permit costs and expected timelines. Either City planners or an architect can determine whether a project will require drawings that need to be stamped by an architect or engineer before a permit is issued.

Development permits come in two classes:

Permitted Use Development Permit (Class A): Includes only permitted uses, accessory buildings or activities and complies in all respects to the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw.

Applications for signs, accessory functions and occupancy of existing buildings on sites that conform to Direct Control (DC) provisions are also considered Class A Permitted Development applications.

Permitted Use Development permits cannot be appealed unless the provisions of the land use bylaw were relaxed, varied or misinterpreted.

Discretionary Use Development Permit (Class B): Includes a discretionary use or requires a variance to any of the regulations of the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw. Also includes some applications on sites that are designated Direct Control. These permits may be appealed to the Subdivision and Appeal Board (SDAB).

BUILDING PERMITS

Building permits deal with the structural stability of buildings and the health and safety of the building's occupants. Property owners must obtain a building permit before they begin constructing a building or structures.

Once a development permit is approved, the original application becomes the application for a building permit. Developers may be required to provide detailed construction drawings prepared by an architect or engineer.

Building permits are required to:

Erect a new building or structure (including retaining walls and swimming pools)
Demolish, relocate, make repairs, alterations or additions to an existing building or structure

The Alberta Building Code regulates techniques and materials used in building construction, the occupancy and the use of buildings and equipment to safeguard the health and safety of building occupants. See p. 97 for more information on how to locate the Alberta Building Code.

You can start construction without a building permit BUT you are taking a risk that the development officer will reject it or it will be appealed at the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). There could be serious consequences if the building permit is not approved.

There is no public participation portion to the building permit approval process.

APPEAL PROCESS

If a development or building permit is refused because it does not comply with the regulations of the Zoning Bylaw (or if it is accepted with conditions), the proponent may appeal to the SDAB. The appeal must be registered with the SDAB within 14 days after notification of the decision is received. A fee is charged for lodging an appeal.

Persons or groups affected by a proposed development may also appeal if they disagree with the Development Officer's decision to grant a permit. They must submit the appeal in writing to the SDAB within 14 days of the decision.

See Appeals, p. 69; SDAB, p. 73.

RESOURCES

City pamphlets outline when permits are required and describe the appeal process.

For more information about the appeal process, contact the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board in City Hall or call 496-6079.

Types of Permits
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS Development permits deal with a development's impact on surrounding properties. A development permit is written approval from the City of Edmonton that ensures the plans comply with the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw. A development permit must be obtained before: Constructing a new building Altering an existing building or Changing the use or intensity of use of a property Applying for a business licence Putting up a sign (except certain temporary signs) City of Edmonton Planning and Development Department staff can supply information about submitting an application, permit costs and expected timelines. Either City planners or an architect can determine whether a project will require drawings that need to be stamped by an architect or engineer before a permit is issued. Development permits come in two classes: Permitted Use Development Permit (Class A): Includes only permitted uses, accessory buildings or activities and complies in all respects to the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw. Applications for signs, accessory functions and occupancy of existing buildings on sites that conform to Direct Control (DC) provisions are also considered Class A Permitted Development applications. Permitted Use Development permits cannot be appealed unless the provisions of the land use bylaw were relaxed, varied or misinterpreted. Discretionary Use Development Permit (Class B): Includes a discretionary use or requires a variance to any of the regulations of the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw. Also includes some applications on sites that are designated Direct Control. These permits may be appealed to the Subdivision and Appeal Board (SDAB).
BUILDING PERMITS Building permits deal with the structural stability of buildings and the health and safety of the building's occupants. Property owners must obtain a building permit before they begin constructing a building or structures. Once a development permit is approved, the original application becomes the application for a building permit. Developers may be required to provide detailed construction drawings prepared by an architect or engineer. Building permits are required to: Erect a new building or structure (including retaining walls and swimming pools) Demolish, relocate, make repairs, alterations or additions to an existing building or structure The Alberta Building Code regulates techniques and materials used in building construction, the occupancy and the use of buildings and equipment to safeguard the health and safety of building occupants. See p. 97 for more information on how to locate the Alberta Building Code. You can start construction without a building permit BUT you are taking a risk that the development officer will reject it or it will be appealed at the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). There could be serious consequences if the building permit is not approved. There is no public participation portion to the building permit approval process. APPEAL PROCESS If a development or building permit is refused because it does not comply with the regulations of the Zoning Bylaw (or if it is accepted with conditions), the proponent may appeal to the SDAB. The appeal must be registered with the SDAB within 14 days after notification of the decision is received. A fee is charged for lodging an appeal. Persons or groups affected by a proposed development may also appeal if they disagree with the Development Officer's decision to grant a permit. They must submit the appeal in writing to the SDAB within 14 days of the decision. See Appeals, p. 69; SDAB, p. 73.
RESOURCES City pamphlets outline when permits are required and describe the appeal process. For more information about the appeal process, contact the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board in City Hall or call 496-6079.