Building Codes & Standards
Ensuring the integrity of County development
The County is accredited for all safety code approvals except fire, primary electrical, and telecommunications lines.
Obtaining all the safety code permits (building, electrical, plumbing, gas, and private sewage) is a requirement of the Alberta Safety Codes Act. Issued through the County's Planning & Development department, these permits allow 90 days for project completion after approval. If you need more time, you can apply for an extension of a given permit before its expiry date.
High Stakes for Non-Compliance
If you begin any work before obtaining a safety codes permit, fees will be tripled.
The Basics of Building Codes & Standards
Thanks to Alberta's New Home Buyer Protection Act, every new home built in Alberta is protected under warranty. At minimum, new homes (single detached family homes/duplexes/multi-family homes/condominiums/manufactured homes/recreational properties) are warrantied for:
- One year labour and materials
- Two years for defects in labour and materials related to delivery and distribution systems
- Five years building envelope protection, with a requirement for the warranty provider to offer the consumer the option to purchase additional years of coverage
- Ten year coverage for major structural components
General Building Code Resources
- Alberta One-Call Brochure
- Energy Efficiency Checklist
- Guide to the Alberta Building Code — Residential
- Handbook for Reducing Basement Flooding
- Home Warranty Program for Builders
- Home Warranty Program for Owner Builders
- Non-Residential Building Information
- Permit Application Requirements
- Permit Handbook
- Private Sewage System Information
- Residential Building Information
- Residential Electrical Information
- Residential Gas Information
- Residential Plumbing Information
- When to Call for an Inspection
Detailed Building Resources for Homeowners
Alberta New Home Warranty Program
Permit Handbook for Building, Electrical, Gas, Plumbing and Private Sewage Systems
- Complete Permit Handbook — Superior Safety Codes
- Handbook Excerpt — Application Requirements
- Handbook Excerpt — Electrical Requirements
- Handbook Excerpt — Frequently Asked Questions
- Handbook Excerpt — Non-Residential Building Information
- Handbook Excerpt — Plumbing Information
- Handbook Excerpt — Private Sewage Systems
- Handbook Excerpt — Residential Building Information
Safety Resources
- Safety Code Permits — Why the need?
- Safety Tips — Building a Detached Garage
- Safety Tips — Building a Wooden Deck
- Safety Tips — Carbon Monoxide Detection
- Safety Tips — Do I Need a Building Permit?
- Safety Tips — Finishing Your Basement
- Safety Tips — Installing a Fireplace
- Safety Tips — Private Sewage Systems
- Safety Tips — PSTS Separation Distances
- Safety Tips — Residental Gas
- Safety Tips — Residential Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas
- Safety Tips — Secondary Suite Standards
- Safety Tips — Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances
- Safety Tips — Structures Near Powerlines
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a permit?
Any matters affecting life safety require permits. Generally speaking, whenever building, adding on to, renovating or relocating a structure, you will require one or all of the following permits: Building, Electrical, Gas, Plumbing or Private Sewage.
What are the benefits of obtaining a permit?
The major benefits of obtaining a permit is knowing that the installation conforms to the safety standards that have been adopted under the Safety Codes Act of Alberta, and that inspections will be provided by a certified Safety Codes Officer.
Who can I call if I have questions about my construction project?
You can contact any one of Superior Safety Codes’ offices and a Safety Codes Officer will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Is there a difference between a development permit and a building permit?
Yes. A development permit deals with municipal bylaw requirements such as zoning, and any restrictions on what type of building you may be able to construct. Development permits are strictly issued by the municipality.
A building permit ensures construction projects comply with the requirements of the Alberta Building Code. Receiving inspections during construction are also part of the building permit process. Building permits are issued by Superior Safety Codes and, in some instances, the municipality.
What other permits do I require?
Electrical, gas, plumbing and private sewage permits may also be required depending on the nature of the project. For more detailed information please consult one of Superior Safety Codes’ offices.
Who should apply for the permits: me or my contractor?
If you are hiring certified contractors to do the work, they should be obtaining the required permits. If you are doing the work yourself, you can obtain the permits provided you are the owner and you live — or will be living — at the premises (some restrictions may apply).
What services do I get with my permit?
Services include, but are not limited to, a plans examination report, technical advice, site inspections and reports, and a final status report (Permit Services Report).
How long are my permits valid?
Permits are typically valid for one year, provided work is commenced within 90 days of permit issuance and the project is not suspended for more than 120 days. Time extensions may be granted upon written request.
Can I receive a refund for permits I obtained but end up not using?
If you have not started the work and the permit has not expired, you may be entitled to a refund — however, a processing charge may apply.
How much notice does Superior Safety Codes require for an inspection?
We request that you provide at least two (2) days notice for proper scheduling.
Can I build a garage on a slab?
Generally speaking, a garage can be built on a slab as long as it is no larger than 55 square meters. If you exceed 55 square meters, you will need to submit stamped engineered drawings.
Additional Planning & Development Resources
Was this information helpful?
to Top