Residential Permits

planning infographic

Building Permits
Development Permits
Frequently Asked Questions

Building permit - residential permit

Building permits are required for the construction, demolition and alteration of any building in Okotoks. Some of the projects requiring a permit include:

Building a house or addition
Building a garage, shed, gazebo, accessory building etc.
Renovating/Altering your home
Building a deck
Installing a pool, hot tub or pond
Installing a wood stove
Installing/Replacing a furnace or air conditioner

Applying for a building permit prior to the work you are considering has benefits:

Protects you and your family’s personal safety by ensuring that it meets safety standards.
Helps ensure you are covered by insurance. If a fire, or other damage to your property happens in an un-permitted area that does not meet safety codes, it is possible it will not be covered by insurance.

Building permits are not required for minor repairs and replacements that do not affect the structural integrity of a building, including:

Re-insulating or adding insulation
Window or door replacement providing the opening is not enlarged
Repair or replacement of plumbing fixtures
Re-roofing, except where structural work is involved
Minor exterior repairs

To confirm whether or not a project requires building permits, contact Permit Services

detached garage

A development permit is required for most forms of development within the Town. The Land Use Bylaw outlines the types of development allowed in each land use district and the rules and regulations governing those uses.

Not all proposed development requires a development permit. Smaller sheds, fences and decks may not require a development permit. Section 5.15 of the Land Use Bylaw outlines developments that do not require a development permit; however it is best to confirm with the Town whether you need a permit for the development you are considering.

How to apply for a Development Permit

Step 1: Check the Land Use Bylaw regulations for what you are proposing

Search your address here. Find your property’s land use district.
Check the Land Use Bylaw regulations.
Tip: You can contact the planning department for a pre-application discussion.

Land Use Bylaw 17-21

Step 2: Prepare your application

Complete a Development Permit Application Form

Development Permit Application Form

Tip: use the included attached checklist to make sure you have all the required application items

Step 3: Submit your application online

Send your completed application form and all required application items to Planning by submitting through our Contact Us button.

You will be sent instructions on how to pay the fee over the phone

Fee Schedule

What happens next?

Once received, Town staff will review your application to see if any required information is missing. Following this, staff will review the application against the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw and other relevant policies and plans. During this stage, they may ask for revisions. Approved permits will be emailed out. Contact Us if you have any questions.

Visit the planning guiding documents and bylaws page to find more information.

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.

How Do I Cancel an Inspection?

Submit the form below one business day prior to the scheduled inspection.

Cancel Inspection

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.

Interior Accessory Application Form

Exterior Accessory Application Form

Submit Application

Book Inspection

Cancel 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
“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 Your Application
- Provide a Metric Site Plan showing:
  Building dimensions
  Height and setbacks from property lines and buildings (i.e. Real Property Report)
Application form
Fees
Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees:

Calculate Permit Fees
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Applications are accepted online, please click the button below
- Digital (flattened) PDF copies only. Paper copies will not be accepted
- Applications are also accepted in person Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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
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 of Okotoks 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
- Provide a Metric Site Plan showing:
  Deck dimensions
  Complete the Undisclosed Deck Guidelines Form
  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.
- Complete the Undisclosed Deck Guidelines Form
Application Form
Fees
Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees:

Calculate Permit Fees
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Applications are accepted online, please click the button below
- Digital (flattened) PDF copies only. Paper copies will not be accepted
- Applications are also accepted in person Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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
- 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
Detached Garage Guidelines
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
- Provide a Metric Site Plan showing:
  Garage/Building dimensions
  Height and setbacks from property lines and buildings (i.e. Real Property Report)
- Complete the Detached Garage Guidelines Form
Application Form
Fees
Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees:

Calculate Permit Fees
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Applications are accepted online, please click the button below
- Digital (flattened) PDF copies only. Paper copies will not be accepted
- Applications are also accepted in person Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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
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
Development Permits are NOT required when a retaining wall is:
- Under 1.0m in height
- Does not have a roof or walls
- Entirely located within a back or side yard
- The construction, maintenance and repair of the wall does not encroach onto public land or a utility right of way
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
Application form
Fees
Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees:

Calculate Permit Fees
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Applications are accepted online, please click the button below
- Digital (flattened) PDF copies only. Paper copies will not be accepted
- Applications are also accepted in person Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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
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 2019 – 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
- 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.
Application Form
Fees|
Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees:

Calculate Permit Fees
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Applications are accepted online, please click the button below
- Digital (flattened) PDF copies only. Paper copies will not be accepted
- Applications are also accepted in person Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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 2019 – 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 2019 – 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
- 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)
Application Form
Fees|
Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees:

Calculate Permit Fees
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Applications are accepted online, please click the button below
- Digital (flattened) PDF copies only. Paper copies will not be accepted
- Applications are also accepted in person Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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
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
Application Form
Fees|
Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees:

Calculate Permit Fees

Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Applications are accepted online, please click the button below
- Digital (flattened) PDF copies only. Paper copies will not be accepted
- Applications are also accepted in person Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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 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:
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.
Major DP Application Package
The Town offers a complimentary pre-application submission service for Major Development 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.
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.
Submit Online (please click button to access)
Permit Document Submission
Printable Application Forms:
Fees
Use the Permit Fee Calculator to estimate your fees:

Calculate Permit Fees
All driveways are to comply with the Town’s Bylaw to Regulate the Surface Grades of Residential Properties, including section 7.1.
A Development Permit for Driveway Widening is required when exceeds the Driveway width maximum set out in the Land Use Bylaw. If a variance to this maximum is approved, a 21-day appeal period will follow.
To apply for a Development Permit for Driveway Widening, follow the instructions set out in the Development Permits tab above. In addition to the required application items set out in the application form and checklist, the following must be submitted:
- A site plan with the proposed area of expansion clearly indicated and dimensioned on the plan
- The site plan must be in metric and be to scale (it is recommended a Real Property Report be used). The site plan must indicate all existing and proposed surfaces.
- Dimension the width of the existing driveway
- Dimension the width and length of the proposed expansion
- Proposed Surfacing Material
- The reason(s) for the proposed expansion
- Photographs of the property (show entire site frontage)
The application will be presented at the detailed team review meeting, and a decision will be rendered. The detailed team review meeting occurs on the third Wednesday of every month. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday the week before to ensure it will be presented at the meeting. You will receive notification after the meeting indicating if the proposed driveway widening is supported or not.