Licenses and Permits
Frequently Asked Questions

There are a number of different licenses and permits that the municipality administers. The following questions and answers detail the types and where to get them. See the links and FAQ below for more information:

1. When do we need to get a business license? Where do I go to get a license?

A business license is required when you start charging a fee for any type of service you provide. The first place to start is at Planning & Development to obtain your development permit which allows you to then obtain your license from business licensing.

2. What’s the difference between a home business and a home occupation?

Home Business - is defined as the secondary use of a principle dwelling, its accessory buildings and site, or a combination of both, by at least one permanent resident of the dwelling to conduct a business activity or occupation and may employ no more than one non-resident employee on site. One on-site parking stall shall also be provided in addition to the residential parking space. A Home Business may have one commercial vehicle to a maximum size of 7,000 kg GVW to be used in conjunction with the Home Business. A Home Business Application is always advertised in the local newspaper to allow adjacent home owners a two-week appeal period to appeal the business application. Cost for a Home Business is $100.

Home Occupation - is defined as the secondary use of a principle dwelling by only the permanent resident of the dwelling to conduct a business activity that does not require client visits to the residence or generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic. A Home Occupation cannot have any identification sign on or about the property nor any indication that a Home Occupation is located or operated from that property. A Home Occupation allows for only "Office and Telephone Use Only" from the home. Cost for a Home Occupation is $20.

3. Do I require a permit for special events such as parades, walks, or runs, and if so, where do I get one?

Parades, walks or runs, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 780-743-7010 for further information.

Special events being held on private property, please contact the Planning & Development department at 780-799-8695 for further information.

Special events being held on municipal property, please contact the Community Services Department at 780-799-5865 for further information.

4.  How can I nominate someone for a future street sign or facility within the municipality?

You can obtain street names/facility name nomination forms by calling 780-743-7885.

5.  Do I need a permit to build a fence? What if I live on a corner lot?

No permit is required, but there are height restrictions. In all residential districts, the maximum height of a fence measured from grade is 2.0 m for that portion which does not extend beyond the most forward principle building on the lot.

In the case of a corner lot, 0.6 m within the triangular area 7.5 m back of the intersecting front property lines, regardless of whether or not a corner cut has been taken. Please call 780-799-8695 for further information or clarification.

6.  Do I need a permit to build a deck? What if the deck is open? What is required to obtain a permit?

Yes, a permit is required to construct a deck only if the deck is 0.3 m from the ground. You must provide a site plan showing the location of your "proposed" deck and all dimensions. The site plan will be sighted by one of our development officers and stamped when approved. An approved and stamped site plan must be provided to Superior Safety Codes Inc. to obtain your actual building permit. More information can be found here.

If the deck is covered, it becomes a part of the principle building and is considered an addition to the principle building and is then required to meet the district requirements for the principle building.

7.  Do I need a permit for a shed, garage, or portable shed?

Yes, a permit is required for all three, except in the case of the portable shed being less than 10 m². You must provide a site plan showing the location of your "proposed" deck and all dimensions. The site plan will be sighted by one of our development officers and stamped when approved. An approved and stamped site plan must be provided to Superior Safety Codes Inc. to obtain your actual building permit. More information can be found here.

8.  I'm planning on building an outdoor swimming pool or putting in a hot tub, do I need a permit?

Yes, a permit is required to construct your outdoor pool or hot tub. You must provide a site plan showing the location of your "proposed" development and all dimensions, including all set backs from your property lines. The site plan will be sighted by one of our Development Officers and stamped when approved. An "approved" site plan must be presented to Superior Safety Codes Inc. to obtain your actual building permit. More information can be found here.

9.  Who do I call to locate my underground services?

Please call:

Alberta One Call at 1-800-242-3447 for locating all natural gas, telephone and power services

For water and sewer lines locate, call 780-799-7939 and,

For cable lines, call 780-743-3720

10.  I'm planning on developing / expanding my driveway, do I need a permit?

Yes, a driveway permit is required. Please contact the engineering department at 780-743-7864 for more information. View the PDF document below:

Boulevard Crossing Guidelines and Permit Application (Urban)

11. I would like to put a fire pit in my back yard, do I need a permit?

Yes, a permit is required to construct a fire pit. Please contact the fire department at 780-792-5504 for more information. Click here for more information.

12.  I would like to put a wood stove in my house / garage, do I need a permit?

Yes, a building permit is required. For information on specific building permit safety code regulations, please contact Superior Safety Codes Inc. at 780-715-7726 or toll-free at 1-877-715-7726. Application forms and checklists can be found on the Safety Codes Information and Permit Applications page.

13.  I'm planning on developing / renovating my basement, do I need a permit?

Yes, a development/building permit is required. For more information, please conta the Planning & Development Department at 780-799-8695. Application forms and checklists can be found on the Safety Codes Information and Permit Applications page.

14. I need to install utilities in a municipal right-of-way, do I need a permit?

Yes, prior to excavation, you will need a permit. Contact the engineering department at 780-743-7864. Also check out links below:

Utility Installation Guidelines and Permit Application

15. Where can I find application forms and checklists?

Application forms and checklists can be found on the Safety Codes Information and Permit Applications page.