Residential Permits

The Town of Okotoks regulates decks on residential properties. A Development Permit or Building Permit is not required if the deck surface is 0.61 metres or less above finished grade at any point.  However your deck must meet the setback requirements outlined in the Land Use Bylaw.  If your deck surface is higher than 0.61m above finished grade, you may need to obtain a Development Permit, and will need to obtain a Building Permit. 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.

Deck Quick Facts

Unenclosed Deck Guidelines

A sunroom enclosure or a covered deck is considered an addition to existing dwellings and are subject to Land Use Bylaw requirements. In some instances, a development permit may be required through Planning Services before a building permit can be issued. 

Step One: Application 

To receive a timely decision on your application, please ensure that your application is clear, legible and accurate. In your application, you need to include the following:

1. Complete the printable Exterior Accessory Application Form and the Credit Card Authorization Form
2. Fees include the following: (see Planning Fees Schedule for current fees)
   • Building permit fee 
   • Safety Codes Council
3. A Site Plan in metric showing deck dimensions, height and setbacks from property lines and buildings (i.e. Real Property Report)

A building inspection will be required once the deck with railings is completed.  Approved building permits will be emailed out to the Applicant.  Please note the telephone numbers on your permit to schedule inspections.

A building permit is required for all residential detached garages.  These structures should not exceed 5 metres in height for the portion that projects into the rear yard, and shall meet the side yard requirements of the land use district for 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 height, size, setback, etc.) you must apply for a development permit prior to making an application for a building permit.

For more information, please click the button below.

Detached Garage Guidelines

Step One: Application

To receive a timely decision on your application, please ensure that your application is clear, legible and accurate. In your application, you need to include the following:

1. Exterior Accessory Permit Application and Credit Card Authorization Form
2. Fees are GST exempt and may include the following: (see Planning Fees Schedule for current fees)
   • Building permit fee -( including Safety Codes Council fee)
   • Assessment administration fee -  (basements, secondary suites, detached garages & additions only)
   • Electrical permit fee -  (including Safety Codes Council fee)
3. A Site Plan in metric showing garage dimensions, height and setbacks from property lines and buildings (i.e. Real Property Report)

Both an electrical and building inspection will be required once the framing is completed. 

Approved building permits will be emailed out to the applicant.  Please note the telephone numbers on your permit to schedule inspections.

“Accessory Building” means a building or structure which is separate from the principal building on the same site, and the use of which is normally incidental, subordinate, and exclusively devoted to the principal use on the same site.  Typical buildings include antennae, satellite dishes, private tennis courts, private swimming pools, private hot tubs, water features, private garages, studio suites and private greenhouses.

An accessory building that meets the following criteria is not subject to side and rear setback requirements:

• Does not have a permanent foundation and can be easily moved
• Is 10m² (107.6ft²) or less in floor area
• Is 3m (9.8ft) or less in height

Accessory buildings that are larger than 10m² (107.6ft²) and/or higher than 3.0m must conform to the setback requirements under the Land Use Bylaw. A building permit is required for an accessory building larger than 10m² and a development permit may be required if the placement involves variances to Land Use Bylaw regulations.

Where Can I Place My Accessory Building

• Sheds may be located in the rear or side yard.
• Refer to the regulations for your Land Use District in the Land Use Bylaw or consult with Planning Services for minimum setbacks from property lines information.
• There must be a minimum of 1.5m (4.92ft) from a natural gas meter or window and it cannot obstruct access to a gas meter, window, or door.
• One (1) clear unobstructed access route between the front and rear yard must be maintained.
• Sheds cannot be attached directly to the house.
• No portion of the shed can be located on, over or under a utility right-of-way or overland drainage right-of-way.
• If the accessory building is located within a maintenance access right-of-Way on a lot with a zero lot line, it must be located entirely within 10.7m (35.0ft) of the rear property line.

Step One: Application

To receive a timely decision on your application, please ensure that your application is clear, legible and accurate. In your application, you need to include the following:

1. Exterior Accessory Permit Application and Credit Card Authorization Form
2. Fees are GST exempt and may include the following: (see Planning Fees Schedule for current fees)
   • Building permit fee -( including Safety Codes Council fee)
3. A Site Plan in metric showing garage dimensions, height and setbacks from property lines and buildings (i.e. Real Property Report)

Approved building permits will be emailed out to the applicant.  Please note the telephone numbers on your permit to schedule inspections.

Fence means a vertical physical barrier constructed out of typical building material to provide visual screening or prevent unauthorized access or both, and is considered to be an integral part of an approved use on a site this can include hedges.   

Click the button below for fence regulations.

Fence Regulations

Click the button below for arterial fencing information.

Wood Screening Fences along Major Corridors

Retaining wall means a structure constructed to withstand lateral pressure in order to hold back earth, loose rock, or similar materials.  Click button below for more information. 

Retaining Wall Information Sheet

When is a building permit needed?

• Developing or renovating an existing basement
• Any alterations more extensive than cosmetic upgrades
• Adding, moving or removing walls
• Any structural changes
• New or enlarging basement window(s); note that egress requirements in the Alberta Building Code must be met if the proposed window is located within a bedroom.  Please review the window guidelines.
• New basement entry (may require a development permit if proposed entry does not meet the Land Use Bylaw requirements).  Contact Planning at 403-995-2760 prior to construction for more information.

For more information, please review:

Basement/Lower Level Guidelines

Steps for Developing your basement:

1. Complete the Interior Accessory Application
    
2. Include a 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 windows or adding new windows, a site plan and elevation plan is required)
• Details of any structural changes being proposed
• List of contractors (if not homeowner)

You will receive an email once your permit is approved. An inspection will be required once the framing and electrical rough-in, plumbing and gas rough-ins are complete, prior to insulation or drywall being hung. 

A Secondary Suite or Studio Suite is a self-contained dwelling unit that is accessory (or secondary) to the principal dwelling unit on the same site.  For more information, click on the buttons below.

Building and Construction

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:

Application Checklist

New Residential Permit Fee

New Residential Construction Application

Letter of Authorization

Project Summary Form

Permit Document Submission

Grading Application

Grading - Request for Time Extension

Exterior Wall Claddings

Manufactured Stone and Brick

Request Inspection

Water Meter Install Request

Application form for residential and commercial demolition.

Demolition Application Form