Home Improvement

Whether you're planning a backyard patio or enclosing a front porch, it's important to understand the differences between uncovered and covered structures—and the permits each may require.

Uncovered Decks & Patios

• Patio: A developed surface adjacent to a building that is less than 0.6 m (2 ft) above grade.
• Deck: Any open structure attached to a building that is 0.6 m (2 ft) or more above grade.

Permit Requirements:

• Uncovered patios under 0.6 m (2 ft) do not require permits.
• Decks over 0.6 m (2 ft) require both a Development Permit and a Building Permit.
• All covered or enclosed decks (regardless of height) are treated as additions and require both permits.

Design Considerations:

• Uncovered decks can project 1.2 m into front yards and up to 3.0 m into rear yards.
• Decks must be at least 1.5 m from any accessory building.
• All decks 0.6 m (2 ft) or higher must include a guardrail.
• Patios must be constructed so they don’t negatively affect lot drainage.

Covered decks are considered part of the main building and are regulated as additions.

Examples include: Enclosing a patio, carport, or breezeway, adding an attached garage or room, constructing a roofed sunroom or porch, building an upper-storey addition

Permit Requirements: Both a Development Permit and a Building Permit are required. Additional Electrical, Gas, or Plumbing Permits may be needed if services are being added or modified.

Construction & Design Guidelines: Additions must match the principal dwelling’s height, exterior finishes, and roofline. Additions must follow site coverage, setback, and height rules set in the Land Use Bylaw and meet the Alberta Building Code. For covered decks and additions, engineered drawings may be required for foundations, joists, or trusses.

Fences are a great way to add privacy and define your property. In most cases, a permit isn’t required—but it's important to follow height limits and property boundaries.

Height Limits: Up to 2.0 m (6.6 ft) in side and rear yards and up to 1.0 m (3.3 ft) in front yards. Fences that exceed these heights may require a Development Permit.

Encroachments: You cannot build a fence that crosses onto a neighbouring property, even if it's Town-owned or a utility corridor. If you're unsure about your property lines, contact an Alberta Land Surveyor.

Utility Locates: Before digging post holes, contact Alberta One-Call  (1‑800‑242‑3447) for free utility locates. This helps you avoid damaging underground services and ensures safe construction.

Finishing your basement or upgrading your interior is a great way to add comfort and value to your home—but it's important to follow building rules to keep everything safe and code-compliant.

Permitting Requirements: A Building Permit may be required for structural changes, developing new rooms, or adding plumbing/electrical. A Development Permit is only required if the renovations are to add a secondary suite, a home-based business, or an addition.

Common Projects That Don’t Require a Building Permit: Painting, patching drywall, or replacing flooring, replacing cabinets (with proper appliance clearances), replacing doors/windows of the same size and location.

Safety Codes Permits: Needed for any electrical, plumbing, gas, or HVAC work. You can apply for these permits as as a homeowner if you live in the home.

Adding a suite is a great way to create flexible space or rental income—whether it’s a basement suite, a backyard garden suite, or a unit above your garage. These projects come with specific design and safety standards.

Permits Required: A Development Permit (approves the use and location under the Land Use Bylaw), a Building Permit (Ensures construction meets Alberta Building Code), and Safety Codes Permits (Needed for electrical, plumbing, and gas work) Electrical work must be completed by a Master Electrician—homeowners cannot pull this permit themselves.

Know your Zoning: Suites are allowed as Permitted Uses in most of the Town’s Residential Districts. Planning & Development can help you determine if the type of Suite you’d like to develop is permitted for your property.

Design & Code Requirements: Only one suite of any type per lot is allowed. One extra parking stall is required on site for the suite. Suites must include their own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping, and living space.

Secondary (Basement Suites): This type of suite requires a separate entry access or a shared common interior landing. The suite must have independent heating/ventilation systems and interconnected smoke alarms.  The suite and the remainder of the home cannot be subdivided or converted into a condo unit.

Garage Suites: Can be located in the rear or side yard.  Can be no taller than 7.5m (24.6 ft) or no taller than the main home, whichever is less. Can be no larger in footprint than the main dwelling with exterior finishes must complement the principal home. Windows, decks and balconies must be placed to respect neighbour privacy.

Garden Suites: Can be located in the rear or side yard and can be as tall as 4.6 m (15.1 ft). Must be smaller than the principal home and designed to respect neighbour privacy.

Enhancing your yard with a pool or hot tub adds fun and value—but it also comes with responsibilities for safety, permitting, and drainage.

Permits required for all pools or hot tubs deeper than 600 mm (2 ft).

In-ground pools need development, building, and electrical permits.

Above-ground pools and hot tubs require building and electrical permits.

Safety: Fence (Minimum 1.8 m (6.0 ft) high with lockable gate) or lockable, weight-bearing cover required. Must be CSA or equivalently certified.

Setbacks: Maintain distance from property lines (1.0m (3.3 ft) minimum) and avoid easements.

Drainage must remain on-site—no discharge onto streets or neighbouring properties.

Adding a wood stove or fireplace enhances comfort and ambiance, but these solid-fuel or gas appliances come with installation and inspection requirements.

• Permits are required before installation:
  • Wood or solid fuel: building permit.
  • Gas: gas (and possibly electrical) permit.
  • Electric (hardwired): electrical permit.
• Must follow manufacturer instructions and Alberta Building Code.
• Certified units only (CSA, ULC, or Warnock Hersey).
• Homeowners may install only if they own and live in the home.

Landscaping enhances your home’s appearance and function, but changes to grade or drainage must be done thoughtfully to avoid negative impacts.

No permit required for lawns, gardens, shrubs, or decorative landscaping.

Permits may be required for:

• Retaining walls over 1.2 m.
• New/additional driveways or access to your property from the street.

Drainage must remain on-site—no discharge onto streets or neighbouring properties.

Grading must follow the drainage plan for your subdivision, if one is available.

New builds: Landscaping must be completed within two growing seasons.

Avoid:

• Blocking utility infrastructure
• Altering easements or neighbouring property
• Removing survey pins

Utility Locates: Before digging, contact Alberta One-Call (1‑800‑242‑3447) for free utility locates. This helps you avoid damaging underground services and ensures your safety.