Realty Glimpse

February 28th, 2019

Holiday Inn, Grande Prairie

Annie Arsenault –Operations Manager, Inspection Services

Agenda

• 2 Common Questions

• Legislation

• Inspection Services vs Development Permitting

• Permit Requirements

• Types of Permits

• Permit Holder Responsibilities

• Compliance Inspections

• Secondary Suites

• Questions

What is a permit and why do I need one?

“PERMIT” means permission or authorization in writing to commence the use, occupancy, relocation, construction or demolition of any building. –Alberta Building Code

• We ensure a minimum standard is met• Safety requirements are met

• Seller, Buyer and Occupants advantage

Why do I need one? Part 2

• Provincial Legislation • Municipal Affairs & Safety Codes Council

• Provincial Code• Alberta Building Code

• National: Electric, Plumbing and Gas Code

• Municipal• Quality Management Plan

• Building Bylaw

Final Approval Final Approval

Land Use Compliance Occupancy (usually)

Who does what?Development Permitting Inspection Services

Land Use Building Safety

Zoning & Permitted Use Building, Electrical, Plumbing and

Gas Code

Set Backs & Easements Occupancy

Driveways Compliance

Cheat* Physical footprint Cheat* Physical building

Permits Required For:

Residential Properties

• *Decks (over 24” from grade to walking surface)

• Basement Developments

• *Sheds/Garages over 108 SF

• Alterations: Effecting Structure or Creating a Room

• *Additions

• *Secondary Suites

Development and/or Lot Grading may be required

Building Permits Required For:

Commercial Properties

• Tenant Improvements• New Base Building or Existing and Developed

• Change of Use • May only require a Building Permit

• Verifies Life Safety

Subtrade Permits Required For:

• If installing an electrical, plumbing or gas system

• If altering an electrical, plumbing or gas system

• If adding to an electrical, plumbing or gas system

Permit Types and Life

Home Owner

• Rough In and Finals Available

Contractors

• Finals Only

Permit Holders Responsible for Ensuring:

• Work Start

• Work Continued

• Inspections Required

Compliance InspectionsDecks and Sheds

-Application & Fee

-Expedite Process

-Existing Work

- mostly exposed

-Life Safety

-’Big’ picture taken into account (age/original construction)

-Current Owner is Notified

Secondary SuitesSituation #1: Existed prior to 2006, with proof:

- falls under fire authority

- fire inspection

Situation #2: Existed prior to 2006, with no proof:

- falls under building authority.

- assessment inspection

Situation #3: Constructed after 2006:

- meets building code of today

**All situations require a Development Permit

Secondary Suites

Typical Code Items:

- Interconnected smoke detectors

- Dry walled mechanical room, smoke sealed

- Separate heat sources

- Direct exit

- Self contained

- One hot water tank and electrical panel is acceptable

Questions