New Commercial Building

These permits are applicable to non-residential (commercial, industrial, institutional, and similar buildings), large-scale residential (apartments, row houses with five or more units), mixed-use (a mix of residential and non-residential) developments, and temporary structures such as storage sheds and sea cans.

For alterations and additions see Changes to Existing Commercial Buildings.

Which Permits Do I Need?

All projects require:

Development Permit (Zoning Approval) ensures your building and structures (including temporary structures) are allowed in your location and comply with the Zoning Bylaw.

Building Permit to audit project design and construction in accordance with Alberta Safety Codes Act. Building Permit provides permission to begin construction. Starting construction without all permits can result in stop work orders, fines and/or administrative penalties.

Trades Permits for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical work

Sign Permit if installing exterior signs on your site.

Preparation for the Application

Know Your Site

You can identify the zone and any applicable overlays of your site using the interactive zoning map.

Also refer to the Specific Development Regulations in the Zoning Bylaw to understand additional requirements related to your specific uses.

Use the GeoDiscover Alberta Map to determine whether abandoned wells are located on your property.

Use the Listing of Historic Resources to help determine if there may be a historic resource concern in your proposed project area. For more information on how to receive Historical Resources Act approval for a development project, visit the Government of Alberta’s website.

Pre-Application Meeting

Pre-application meetings are not required but highly encouraged for new buildings and additions and significant renovations.

Applicants who book pre-application meetings find that meetings shorten development permit review times.

Edmonton Design Committee

Applications for new buildings, additions and some facade improvements may be subject to review by the Edmonton Design Committee if they are located in designated areas. See page 6 of the bylaw.

The Development Planner will determine whether your project will be subject to review by the Edmonton Design Committee while reviewing your application.

The Edmonton Design Committee reviews and provides recommendations to applicants and the City regarding development applications.

The Development Planner will consider the Edmonton Design Committee's comments before issuing the Development Permit.

For more information, including submission requirements, see Edmonton Design Committee.

Client Liaison

If your project involves complex, unique, industrial, commercial, or large-scale residential infill development you may qualify for enhanced service with a Client Liaison.

To learn about qualification criteria and contact information, see Client Liaison.

Resources

General Resources
Zoning Bylaw 20001
Historical Land Use Bylaw - Use this when a Direct Control Zone references a previous version of the land use bylaw
Interactive Maps, including the Zoning Map
Zoning Matrix
Plans In Effect
Current Development Permit Applications Map
Signs

City Policies and Guidelines
Transportation Access Management Guidelines
Access Design Guide

External Agencies
ATCO Gas
EPCOR Water, Sewer, and Waste Management
Service Alberta Land Titles
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board

Development Permit Application

Development Permit Application Requirements

The table below lists documents required to be submitted in order for your application to be accepted for review.

Additional information may be requested when your application is under review.

Applications are considered incomplete if documents are missing or do not include all information listed in the standards.

Submitting an incomplete application will extend project timelines.

Application Requirements	Applications Standards and Guides
Site Plan	Site Plan Standards
Floor Plan	Floor Plan Standards
Elevation Drawings	Elevation Drawing Standards
Fire Safety Document	Fire Access Plan Requirements Swept Path Analysis
Landscaping Plan	Landscape Plan Standards Landscape Plan Sample More information on landscaping securities and policies.
Certificate of Title	Must be a current copy, obtained within the past 3 months. Alberta Land Titles
Legal Documents	Restrictive covenants, utility rights-of-way, easements, caveats
Survey Plan	Prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor within the past 3 months.
Abandoned Wells Confirmation	Completed form and associated map

Building Permit Application

Building Permit Application Requirements

Carefully review the application requirements to submit a complete application. The table below lists documents required to begin your application.

Additional information may be requested when your application is under review.

Applications are considered incomplete if documents are missing or do not include information listed in standards.

Submitting an incomplete application will extend application timelines.

Application Requirement	Minimum Submission Standard and Guide
Site Plan	Site Plan Standards
Survey Plan	Prepared by a registered Alberta land surveyor Survey Plan Standards
Building Plans	Note: Building permit plan standards are different from development permit standards. Building Permit Minimum Drawings and Specifications Requirements 3.7 and Gender-Inclusive Washroom Guide 3.8 Barrier-Free and Accessibility Guide
Professional Schedules	The requirement for stamped drawings and schedules for National Building Code (Alberta Edition) depends on the project size and complexity. Professional Work Product Authentication must be done in the manner required by the professional’s regulatory body. Schedules of Professional Involvement Forms
Energy Code Documents	Energy Code Requirements
Geotechnical Report	Prepared by a registered engineering professional
Project Implementation Plan (PIP)	PIP Guide PIP Letter of Commitment
New Home Warranty	Required for dwellings that will be sold. New Home Buyer Protection Act

Additional forms:

Variance/Alternative Solutions Request Form

Resources

Submitting Your Application

Applying Online

Apply for permits online at selfserve.edmonton.ca. The project can then be managed by the permit holder or delegated constructor through the project dashboard.

The permit holder can see the status, respond to more information requests, find reviewed plans and permit documents to have on the job site, add and change trades, initiate the revision process if needed, request all inspections, and track inspection outcomes.

Apply online

For inquiries and questions, please book a virtual or in-person appointment.

Fees

For a complete list of fees see:

2024 Planning and Development Fee Schedules (effective January 1, 2024)

Permanent Area Contributions (PAC)
Arterial Roadway Assessments (ARA)

There are several ways to make a payment.

Additional fees may apply. Additional charges may apply for revisions.

After You Apply

Application Processing

City staff will review your application for compliance with the Zoning Bylaw and applicable Safety Codes.

Processing Times

Overall application processing times can be found on the development and construction application processing times web page. Applicants can also check the status of their specific application by visiting their project dashboard in selfserve.edmonton.ca.

Building Permit Queue Times

See up-to-date queue times for building permit applications.

More Information Requests

City staff may request additional information at various stages of the Development Permit and Building Permit process. To learn how to reply to a more information request in selfserve.edmonton.ca, see the More Information Requested (MIR) Guide.

Changing or Cancelling Your Application

To make changes before a Development Permit or Building Permit is issued, consult the City staff assigned to your file.

After a Development Permit or Building Permit is issued, request Permit Revisions in selfserve.edmonton.ca. Additional charges may apply for revisions.

To cancel your application, email the Cancellation/Refund Request form to the person who is handling your application.

Requesting Inspections

After your project has progressed to the right stage, you must request that a Safety Codes inspector visit your site.

Failure to complete required inspections may result in you having to remove finished walls and/or additional inspection costs and delays.

All required inspections for a project are listed in SelfServe after issuing a permit. You can request, cancel, or reschedule them there. You can also request inspections by calling 311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311).

Deviation from reviewed plans cannot be endorsed on-site. When work completed does not match the reviewed plans, revised plans must be submitted for additional review.

Review the Commercial Inspections page to learn:

How to prepare for your inspection by displaying the address, providing safe access and having the reviewed permit documents printed on site for reference by the inspector
At which stages to request inspections
How to request inspections
What to expect during each inspection type

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