Building Permits

Note: Development Permits ARE required when:

• The property is not in the Traditional Neighbourhood  (TN) District
• The structure does not meet the Building and Placement Standards in the Land Use Bylaw
• The structure is taller than the primary building

“Accessory building” means a building or other structure on a site which is normally incidental or subordinate to the primary building on the same site. Typical buildings include sheds, gazebos, pergolas, hot tubs, private greenhouses, water features, private swimming pools and private tennis courts.

Building Permits are NOT required when a structure is:

• Less than 10 square metres and not attached to a house or any other building
• Not connected to electricity, plumbing or gas lines
• Not located in the front yard
• Refer to the Land Use Bylaw for Building and Placement Standards

For more information, please review:
Safety Codes Council Safety Tips

Step 1: Prepare & Submit Your Application

The following information must be included with the permit application submission:Exterior Accessory - Application Checklist and Inspection Schedule
Provide a Metric Site Plan showing:

• Building dimensions
• Height and setbacks from property lines and buildings (i.e., Real Property Report) 

Or Submit:
Click the button below to complete the simple accessories guidelines form.
Simple Accessories Guidelines Form

Complete your application form:
Application Form

Fees

Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees.
Calculate Permit Fees

Step 2: Permit Issuance

• Customer Experience representative will call for payment.
• After payment please allow 5-10 business days for your permit to be reviewed and approved.
• Approved permits will be emailed to the applicant.
• Click the button below to inquire about the status of your application if you have not received it within the processing time.

Contact us

Step 3: Booking an Inspection

• Please refer to your plan review for inspection booking requirements.
• To schedule your inspection, click the button below.

Book Inspection

Note: Development Permits ARE required when:

• The property is not in the Traditional Neighbourhood  (TN) District
• The structure does not meet the Building and Placement Standards in the Land Use Bylaw
• The structure is taller than the primary building

The Town regulates decks on residential properties. Your deck must meet the setback requirements outlined in the Land Use Bylaw. Construction within Overland Drainage and Utility Rights-of-Way are not permitted.  Please check your Real Property Report for details of any rights-of-way that may be registered on your property.

Do I Need A Permit?

Development Permits are required for:

• A deck that is above 0.6 metres high and does not meets the Building and Placement Standard in the Land Use Bylaw
• A porch that does not meet the Building and Placement, and Frontage Standards in the Land Use Bylaw

Building Permits are NOT required when a deck is:

• 0.6 metres or less above the ground at every point

For more information, please review:
Safety Codes Council Safety Tips 

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

The following information must be included with the permit application submission:Exterior Accessory - Application Checklist and Inspection Schedule

Provide a Metric Site Plan showing:

• Deck dimensions
• Height and setbacks from property lines and buildings (i.e., Real Property Report)
• If screw piles are being used, site specific engineering and the CCMC Evaluation Report are required. A report with achieved torque values, is required to be submitted prior to the Town of Okotoks Inspection. 

Or Submit:
Click the button below to complete the unenclosed deck guidelines form.
Unenclosed Deck Guidelines Form

Fees

Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees.
Calculate Permit Fees 

Step 2: Complete Your Application Form

Application Form

Step 3: Permit Issuance
 

• Client Services Representative will call for payment
• After payment please allow 5-10 business days for your permit to be reviewed and approved
• Approved permits will be emailed out to the applicant
• Contact us to inquire on the status of your application if you have not received it within the processing time

Contact Us
 

Step 4: Booking an Inspection

• Please refer to your plan review for inspection booking requirements
• To schedule your Inspection click the button below.

Book Inspection

Note: Development Permits ARE required when:

• The property is not in the Traditional Neighbourhood  (TN) District
• The structure does not meet the Building and Placement Standards in the Land Use Bylaw
• The structure is taller than the primary building

A building permit is required for residential detached garages. These structures are not permitted to exceed the height of the principal building. An electrical permit is also required if interior work is being completed. The exterior finishes of detached garages shall match or complement the exterior finishing of the principal building. If your garage does not meet the Land Use Bylaw requirements for size and setback, a development permit would be required. Please note, a building permit cannot be approved without the development permit if one is necessary.

Building Permits are NOT required when a structure is:

• Less than 10 square metres and not attached to a house or any other building
• Not connected to electricity, plumbing or gas lines
• Not located in the front yard
• Refer to the Land Use Bylaw for Building and Placement Standards

For more information, please review:
Safety Codes Council Safety Tips

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

The following information must be included with the permit application submission:Exterior Accessory - Application Checklist and Inspection Schedule

Provide a Metric Site Plan showing:

• Garage/Building dimensions
• Height and setbacks from property lines and buildings (i.e. Real Property Report) 

Click the button below to complete the detached garage guidelines form.

Detached Garage Guidelines

Fees

Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees.
Calculate Permit Fees  

Step 2: Complete Your Application
Application Form

Step 3: Permit Issuance

• Customer Experience representative will call for payment
• After payment please allow 5-10 business days for your permit to be reviewed and approved
• Approved permits will be emailed out to the applicant
• Click the button below to inquire on the status of your application if you have not received it within the processing time.

Contact Us

Step 4: Booking an Inspection

• Please refer to your plan review for inspection booking requirements
• To schedule your Inspection click the button below.

Book Inspection

Fence means a vertical physical barrier constructed out of typical building material to provide visual buffering, prevent unauthorized access or to enclose a site. Click the button below for more information.

Fence Regulations

Retaining wall means a structure designed and constructed to resist the lateral pressure of soil, loose rock or similar material, which creates a change to the site Grades. Click the button below for more information.
Retaining Wall Information Sheet

A Development Permit is not required for a retaining wall where the retaining wall:

• is less than 1.0 metre in height (measured from the grade to the top of the wall);
• is not within 30 metres of the top or toe of an escarpment (i.e. steep slope, ravine, coulee, river valley, or similar natural feature); and
• adheres to the above requirements and setbacks of the Land Use Bylaw.

In all other cases, a Development Permit is required for a retaining wall.

Property owners are encouraged to contact Planning & Urban Design before construction if there is uncertainty regarding permit requirements.

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

• Provide a Metric Site Plan showing:
  • Retaining Wall dimensions
  • Height and setbacks from property lines and buildings (i.e. Real Property Report)
  • Structural Engineering Drawings to be submitted with your application

Fees

Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees.
Calculate Permit Fees

Step 2: Complete Your Application
Application Form

Step 3: Permit Issuance

• Client Services Representative will call for payment
• After payment please allow 5-10 business days for your permit to be reviewed and approved
• Approved permits will be emailed out to the applicant
• Click the button below to inquire on the status of your application if you have not received it within the processing time:

Contact us

Step 4: Booking an Inspection

• Please refer to your plan review for inspection booking requirements
• To schedule your Inspection click the button below.

Book Inspection

Application form for residential and commercial demolition.

Demolition Application Form

Fees

Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees.
Calculate Permit Fees

Note: Development Permits ARE required when:

• The property is not in the Traditional Neighbourhood  (TN) District
• The structure does not meet the Building and Placement Standards in the Land Use Bylaw
• The structure is taller than the primary building

Do I Need A Permit?

Development Permits are required for new basement entrances that do not meet the setback requirements of the Land Use Bylaw.

Building Permits ARE required when:

• Developing or renovating an existing basement
• Completing alterations more extensive than cosmetic upgrades
• Adding, moving or removing walls
• Adding new or enlarging basement window(s); note that egress requirements in the National Building Code 2023 – Alberta Edition must be met if the proposed window is located within a bedroom. Engineers Report required. 
• Plumbing Permits are required if altering existing plumbing rough-ins.

For more information, please review:

Safety Codes Council Safety Tips 

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

The following information must be included with the permit application submission:Interior Renovation - Application Checklist & Inspection Schedule

Provide a Metric Floor Plan showing:

• Proposed and existing room(s) layout
• Designation of the use and dimension of the proposed room(s)
• Total square footage being developed
• Window and door sizes, location of smoke alarms (Note: if enlarging or adding new windows, a site plan, elevation plan and Engineers Report are required)
• Details of any structural changes being proposed
• List of contractors (if not homeowner)
• If the installation of the egress window requires any coring of the concrete foundation, a professional engineer’s report is required. The professional engineer retained is to provide a site inspection report, once construction has been completed. This report is to be forwarded to the Town prior to booking the building inspection.

Fees

Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees.
Calculate Permit Fees 

Step 2: Complete Your Application

Submit Application
 

Step 3: Permit Issuance

• Client Services Representative will call for payment
• After payment please allow 5-10 business days for your permit to be reviewed and approved
• Approved permits will be emailed out to the applicant
• Click the button below to inquire on the status of your application if you have not received it within the processing time:

Contact Us
 

Step 4: Booking an Inspection

• Please refer to your plan review for inspection booking requirements
• To schedule your Inspection click the button below:

Book Inspection

A secondary suite is a self-contained dwelling within the main residence that has separate living, sleeping, cooking and bathroom facilities. These are commonly referred to as basement suites or in-law suites. Prior to developing a secondary suite you must determine if your project requires a development permit and apply for a building permit.

Do I Need A Permit?

In most zones (land use districts), you are permitted up two dwelling units within a single building without requiring a Development Permit. If you are exceeding this, please Contact Planning Services for more information.

Development Permits are NOT required when:

• Adding a secondary suite to a single-family building

Development Permits ARE required when:

• The proposed suite is in another structure. Examples include a garage, garden, or laneway suite.
• A secondary suite that is proposed in a semi-detached building.
• A new basement entry does not meet the setback requirements of the Land Use Bylaw.

Building Permits ARE required when:

• Safety codes permits are required (building, plumbing, electrical, gas) and the suite must meet National Building Code 2023 – Alberta Edition requirements for minimum safety standards. If a development permit is required, the safety codes permits will not be issued until after a valid development permit has been issued
• Adding new or enlarging basement window(s); note that egress requirements in the National Building Code 2023 – Alberta Edition must be met if the proposed window is located within a bedroom. Engineers Report required. 
• New basement entry (may require a development permit if proposed entry does not meet the Land Use Bylaw requirements). Contact Planning Services prior to construction for further information.
• In most zones you are permitted 2 dwelling units, if you are exceeding this please contact Planning Services to determine if a Development Permit is required for your Secondary Suite.
• Your secondary suite project may be eligible for a grant under the Secondary Suite and Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program.  Please visit the program webpage to review eligibility and application requirements.

For more information, please review:

Safety Codes Council Safety Tips

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

The following information must be included with the permit application submission:

 Secondary Suite - Application Checklist & Inspection Schedule

Provide a Metric Floor Plan including:

• Main floor plan and the floor plan where the secondary suite is being constructed
• Room layouts indicating size, uses and location of walls, doorways and windows (include all sizes)
• Floor to ceiling height
• Location of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors which must be hard wired and interconnected
• Cross section showing all materials used for structure
• Wall/floor/roof assembly details
• Construction specifications
• If the installation of the egress window requires any coring of the concrete foundation, a professional engineer’s report is required. The professional engineer retained is to provide a site inspection report, once construction has been completed. This report is to be forwarded to the Town prior to booking the building inspection.
• List of Contractors (if not the homeowner)

Fees

Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees.
Calculate Permit Fees 

Step 2: Complete Your Application

Application Form

Step 3: Permit Issuance

• Client Services Representative will call for payment
• After payment please allow 5-10 business days for your permit to be reviewed and approved
• Approved permits will be emailed out to the applicant
• Click the button below to inquire on the status of your application if you have not received it within the processing time:

Contact Us

Step 4: Booking an Inspection

• Please refer to your plan review for inspection booking requirements
• To schedule your Inspection click the button below

Book Inspection

Electronic Form
 

Secondary Suite Sound Transmission Form

Solar photovoltaic systems are a safe and reliable technology that converts sunlight to electricity. They are typically mounted flush with the surface of a building, ie roof or exterior wall surface to capture sunlight. Building and Electrical Permits are required to install Solar Photovoltaic Systems.

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

• Solar installation within the Town of Okotoks requires the following information for review:
  • Schematics or a professionally drawn sketch of the system layout showing all the component systems, modules and total ratings
  • Requirements of the CSA standards and Canadian electrical code rules
  • Based on the size of the system, structural engineering maybe required to support the load
  • Installation guide and anchoring system
  • At completion of the project the installer and professional involved are required to submit a letter of verification for the installation

Fees

Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees.
Calculate Permit Fees

Step 2: Complete Your Application

 Application Form
 

Step 3: Permit Issuance

• Client Services Representative will call for payment
• After payment please allow 5-10 business days for your permit to be reviewed and approved
• Approved permits will be emailed out to the applicant
• Click the button below to inquire on the status of your application if you have not received it within the processing time:

Contact us

Step 4: Booking an Inspection

• Please refer to your plan review for inspection booking requirements
• To schedule your Inspection click the button below:

Book Inspection

A building permit is required for most forms of development within the Town. Please ensure you have the appropriate applications and paperwork in order. DIGITAL COPIES ONLY PLEASE. NO PAPER COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Electronic forms:

• Project Commitment Form
• Home Addition - Application Checklist and Inspection Schedule
• Interior Renovation - Application Checklist and Inspection Schedule
• New Home - Application Checklist and Inspection Schedule
• Letter of Authorization
• Project Summary Form
• Permit Document Submission
• Request Inspection
• Water Meter Install Request

Fees

Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees.
Calculate Permit Fees

A Development Permit is required for most multi-residential forms of development within the Town. The Town offers a complimentary pre-application submission service for Multi-Residential Permits. Pre-application submissions made the Friday before the third Wednesday of a month are presented to the planning department and includes discussion with a planner.

Submit Online
Development Permit 

A building permit is required for most forms of development within the Town. Please ensure you have the appropriate applications and paperwork in order. DIGITAL COPIES ONLY PLEASE. NO PAPER COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Electronic Forms

• Multi-Unit Building Construction Application
• Project Commitment Form
• New Home - Application Checklist and Inspection Schedule
• Project Summary Form

Fees

Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees.
Calculate Permit Fees

How do I pay for my permit?

Payment can be made over the phone with credit card or in person at the Municipal Centre using cheque, cash, debit or credit card.

I’ve submitted my application and paid for my permit, how long until it is approved?

Please note once you have paid for your permit, it could take up to 15 business days to get a Residential Permit Application approved and 15 days for a Commercial Permit Application to be processed. Your approval and permit number will be emailed to you once approved.

Does my permit expire?

Building permits do expire.  Active work must be started within 90 days from the date of issue and if work is suspended or abandoned for 120 days, a new permit must be obtained.  Residential permits are valid for 365 days at which time the work must be completed. If you are not ready for an inspection, you can request a one time 6 month permit extension before it expires.

I’m buying a home, what do I need to know?

Buyer beware! Make sure you ask for permits on the home you are considering. If you purchase it and then need to get permits, you may end up paying more and be responsible for deficiencies that need to be corrected after the inspection.

I’m selling my house, what do I need to know?

When you prepare to sell your home, the realtor is likely to ask for permits for finished basements, hot tubs, sheds etc.  If you need to get the permits in order to sell your house, there may be extra costs if you need to remove drywall so inspectors can see the wiring, plumbing, etc.

What if I just bought a house and the title hasn’t changed?

It could take up to 16 weeks to receive notification from Land Titles of a purchase of a new home. However, it you wish to apply for a permit before the Town of Okotoks has received notification from Land Titles please submit a copy of your Statement of Adjustments in order to avoid delays.

Why should I get a permit?

Making an insurance claim could be a challenge if you have uninspected work done in/on your home. We recommend contacting your insurance company for further information. Obtaining a permit ensures the work done in your home is safe and complies with the Alberta Building Code.

Can I still use a room in the basement as a bedroom if there is no window?

Any room being used as a bedroom must have a window that meets the egress requirements to ensure the occupant can get out in the case of a fire.

My Inspection Report says I need to submit Verification of Compliance (VOC), how do I do that?

Verification of Compliance is intended as an option in for re-inspection of identified deficiencies from your inspection.  Once the work indicated on your inspection report has been completed, the form must be signed and submitted online.

Submitting Verification of Compliance (VOC)

Submit VOC (Verification of Compliance) if all deficiencies noted indicated on the site inspection report have been completed in accordance with the Safety Codes Act. ** Please make sure to sign and date document before uploading**

Submit VOC (Verification of Compliance)

What is a Permit Service Report (PSR)?

A permit service report is sent to you by email once the work has passed inspection to indicate your permit is now closed. If the work has not passed inspection, at the end of the 365 days the report is sent to notify you of the status.

The following information must be included with the permit application submission:

New Home – Application Checklist & Inspection Schedule 

Home Addition  - Application Checklist & Inspection Schedule

Interior Renovation - Application Checklist & Inspection Schedule

Exterior Accessory - Application Checklist & Inspection Schedule

Secondary Suite - Application Checklist & Inspection Schedule