Your home is considered the primary building on your property, anything else constructed is considered an accessory building or structure. 

This could include:

• Detached garages
• Sheds
• Gazebos
• Workshops
• Greenhouses
• Pergolas
• Arbours
• Carports

When planning to build a detached garage, or other type of accessory structure on your property, consider the placement, height, and size of the structure, to ensure it complies with the regulations below:

These regulations apply to the majority of properties. Some exceptions may exist.

Placement

• Cannot be located over a gas line
• Make sure to call Alberta One-Call
• May not be located in a front yard
• The minimum distance from a side property line is 0.90 m (3’)
  • Corner properties may vary
• The distance from a rear property line varies for each property – see images
• Property without a utility right-of-way Garage - No URW (pdf)
• Property with a utility right-of-way Garage - With URW (pdf)
• Corner Property Garage - Corner Site (pdf)  

Size

• The total site coverage of all buildings is 45 per cent of the lot for most properties. Find out the maximum site coverage of your zone:

  • Find your property's zone using the 'Search' function and the 'Zoning' theme on the Interactive City Map. 
    Once you know your property's zone (ex. R-L, R-M, etc.), review its permitted and discretionary uses and other applicable regulations, under 'Residential Zones' of the Zoning Bylaw. 

• The maximum width of a detached garage or similar structure is 2/3 the width of the lot, except for the R-N zone.
• Here are some example calculations for reference Site Coverage Calculation Example (pdf)

Height

• The maximum height is 5.0m (16'4”) and one-storey
• Height is measured from grade to peak
• If the grade is sloped, then the average height is used

A Development Permit and a Building Permit are required for accessory buildings that are: 

• Greater than 10m² (107 sq.ft.); or
• Less than 10m² (107 sq.ft.), but over 2.8m (9 ft.) high

If the accessory structure is smaller than the criteria above, permits are not required, but must still comply with the placement on the property, of being a minimum distance of 0.9m (3') from the side and rear property lines.

You may also require subtrades permits to complete the construction of your project (electrical, gas, heating, plumbing).

A Development Permit is required to ensure that the structure you are proposing to build on your property complies with the Zoning Bylaw in regards to placement, size and height. 

Can I build larger than what the bylaw allows?

You can request a variance to any Zoning Bylaw regulations. You will explain why you are asking for the variance, and what makes your site unique that a variance should be considered.

How long does it take to process?

Note: During building season (April 1 - October 31), processing times may take longer, due to the number of applications that are submitted during this time.

Due to legislated timelines set out in the Municipal Government Act (MGA) , Development Officers have 20 days from the receipt of an application to deem it complete or incomplete. Failure to submit a complete application will lead to delays in the approval and issuance of your permit.

In most cases, it will take 5-7 business days for review and decision once an application is deemed complete. Depending on the size or location of the proposed building, consultation with neighbouring landowners may be required. If this is the case for your build, the timeline for review is extended by approximately three weeks.

If your project requires a variance to regulations in the Zoning Bylaw, there is a 21-day appeal period which must be advertised before the permit can be issued, if approved.

What are the fees?

Please refer to 'Schedule A' of the Development Permit Fee Bylaw to find the fees associated with the Development Permit.

A Building Permit is required to review the safety components of constructing a detached garage or similar structure, ensuring it is constructed correctly and is safe for you to use.

How long does it take to process?

Note: During building season (April 1 - October 31), processing times may take longer, due to the number of applications that are submitted during this time.

In most cases, it will take 7-10 business days to review and issue. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit has been issued. 

What are the fees?

The fees are subject to change on May 1 of each year to be in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

Please refer to Schedule A for current fees:  Safety Codes Fee Schedule (pdf)

The Safety Codes Permit Bylaw 3551/2015 (pdf) will have information pertaining to a Building Permit for your project type.

A homeowner or licensed contractor can submit permit applications. If you are not the owner of the property, you will need to include a Letter of Authorization with the application package.

If you are a contractor requiring a City of Red Deer Business Licence, please visit our Licensing page to obtain a business licence before submitting your permit applications.

Applications can be submitted through the City's online portal: MyPermits 

Watch a step-by-step video guide of the application process. 

Before submitting your permit applications, prepare digital copies of the required plans and documents for your submission.

TIP: Match the names of your plans and documents to those on the requirement list(s).  

Review the respective requirements list and forms for each permit.

Development Permit

• Development Permit Application Requirements List: Accessory Building (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)

Building Permit

• Building Permit Application Requirement List: Accessory Buildings (pdf)
• Building Permit Application Form (pdf)
• Accessory Building Application Detail Sheet (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)

Examples

If you are unsure of anything on the application requirement list, we have provided example applications to help you out:

• EXAMPLE Development Permit Application - Accessory Building (pdf)
• EXAMPLE Building Permit Application - Accessory Building (pdf)

Following the instructions below, use MyPermits and ProjectDox to submit the applicable permit applications for your project.  

Note, each permit and its requirements have to be submitted separately.

Step 1: Enter permit and project information through MyPermits, by clicking the tile below.
(This step will be completed TWICE if both permit types are required for your project; once for the Development Permit application and again for the Building Permit application). 

Step 2: You'll receive an email with instructions on how to upload and submit your required documents to ProjectDox, The City's online plan submission system.

• An instructional email will be sent with each permit application (Development and Building)
• Emails may end up in your junk/spam mail folder. Please add @reddeer.ca as an allowable sender to make sure you are receiving our emails.

Step 3: After you've have submitted your permit applications, keep an eye on your email. Notifications will be sent as your permits progress through their respective reviews. 

Once we receive your complete permit applications, the Development Officer and the Building Safety Codes Officer will conduct a review of the applications, ensuring the proposed development complies with the Zoning Bylaw and the Safety Codes Act, respectively.

You will receive email notifications throughout the application process, including:

• If more information is needed;
• When payment is required;
• When the permit is issued.

You will need additional permits to put in lights and outlets, heat and plumbing.

• Electrical - for wiring outlets and lights or sub-panel
• Heating - for heating devices, such as a wood stove (solid fuel appliance)
• Gas - for gas appliances, such as a unit heater, radiant heater, furnace or a boiler
• Plumbing - for floor drains, sinks, showers, wash stations, etc.

Who can apply?

Homeowners:

The City of Red Deer allows homeowners to obtain permits; however, if you have no previous knowledge or experience with these installations, you should engage the services of a licensed contractor to apply for the required permits and complete the work.

There are a few exceptions:

• Gas Permits may only be obtained by a licensed gasfitter
• Heating Permits may only be obtained by a licensed heating contractor
• Homeowners cannot obtain an Electrical Permit for the following work:
  
  • hot tubs or pools
  • main service or panel changes
  • duplex, townhouse or any unit with a shared wall
  • secondary suites
  • solar panels
  • rental properties
  • electrical car charging stations.

Contractors:

Contractors applying for permits require a valid City of Red Deer Business Licence. Please visit our Licensing page should you require a new or renewed licence prior to applying for your permit.

How do I apply?

Homeowners and contractors can apply online using MyPermits, or submit an application form via email to inspections@reddeer.ca. 

• Electrical Permit Application (pdf)
• Gas Permit Application Form (pdf)
• Heating Permit Application Form (pdf)
• Plumbing Permit Application Form (pdf)

What inspections will I need?

The required inspections will be determined when the Safety Codes Officer reviews your application, and will be listed on the Safety Codes Building Permit when it is approved and issued.

If you've obtained any subtrade permits, you may need two inspections during the course of the respective permit:

1. A rough-in inspection before concealing any work
2. A final inspection once everything is complete

If you obtain multiple sub-trades permits, these inspections will apply to each permit type.

When can I schedule an inspection?

Once your Safety Codes Building Permit has been approved and issued, you will receive an email with instructions outlining how to schedule an inspection.

How do I know the outcome of my inspection(s)?

You will receive an email notification informing you of the outcome of each inspection.