You'll need several permits whether you are constructing a suite in a new build, creating a suite in an undeveloped basement, or renovating an existing basement to accommodate a suite.
A House Suite is defined as any self-contained dwelling unit that is located within a primary dwelling unit, where both dwelling units are registered under the same land title.
A dwelling unit means a self-contained building or a portion of a building usually containing cooking, eating, living, sleeping and sanitary facilities and used as a permanent residence by a household.
Each neighborhood allows 15 per cent of the total number of detached dwelling units to have Suites, whether House Suites or Backyard Suites. You can use the Web Map to ensure your neighborhood has not reached its maximum. Refer to Using Web Map to determine secondary suites Instruction Manual (pdf) to learn how.
For read Secondary Suite Building Code Information (pdf) for additional information about the regulations regarding House Suites.
Yes, a Development and Building Permit are both required for a House Suite. Depending on the extent of the work, you may also require electrical, gas, heating, and plumbing permits. Note: Homeowners are not permitted to apply for the subtrades permits for a House Suite.
Learn about the different criteria that we review before issuing a Development Permit and a Building Permit.
A Development Permit is required to ensure that the House Suite complies with the Zoning Bylaw in regards to zoning, location, and parking requirements.
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 7-10 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.
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 house suite, ensuring it is constructed correctly and is safe for you to use.
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.
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.
The fees are subject to change each year at May 1 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.
Review the requirements for each step of the permit application process, from preparing your documents to starting construction.
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, you need to prepare all the plan documents and forms that are required for your submission. Review the respective requirements list and forms for each permit.
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.
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 permits, 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:
Did you know that some email servers will block City of Red Deer emails? These emails will often end up in your junk/spam mail folder. Please add @reddeer.ca as an allowable sender to make sure you are receiving our emails.
You will need additional permits to put in lights and outlets, heat and plumbing.
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:
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.
Homeowners and contractors can apply online using MyPermits, or submit an application form via email to inspections@reddeer.ca.
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 sub-trade permits, you may need two inspections during the course of the respective permit.
If you obtain multiple sub-trades permits, these inspections will apply to each permit type.
Once your Safety Codes Building Permit has been approved and issued, you will receive an email with instructions of how to schedule an inspection.
You will receive an email notification informing you of the outcome of each inspection.
Email: inspections@reddeer.ca
Phone: 403-342-8190
In person: Main floor of City Hall, 4914 48 Avenue
City Hall is open between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and statutory holidays.