Alterations and Additions

An addition to a residential building changes the exterior structure, the footprint, or the height of the structure.

An alteration inside a residential building that changes space within a residence, such as adding or removing walls and installing new windows. Secondary suites and garage suites have their own applications.

Below is a list of steps required to construct an addition or to complete an alteration to a residence.

Step 1: Establish Requirements

Depending on the scope of your project, you will require a variety of permits.

Development Permit

A development permit is required if your alteration or addition results in a change in the footprint of the structure, or if another floor level is being added. A development permit is also required if you are covering or enclosing an existing deck. For Secondary Suites and Garage Suites - they have their own website pages for applications and requirements.

Lot Grading Permit

A lot grading permit may be required for this work, please contact Engineering Services at lotgrading@cityofgp.com for more information.

Building and Subtrade Permits

In addition to a building permit, depending on the scope of work the following subtrade permits may be required:

Electrical Permit
Plumbing Permit
Gas Permit
Occupancy Certificate

Step 2: Apply for Required Permits

Below are the steps to apply for the required permits. To minimize wait time, we suggest you apply for all permits at the same time.

Development Permit

Apply by e-mail or in-person for you residential addition or alteration development permit. An application includes:

A completed application form
A right of entry and authorization form signed by the property owner
A copy of the real property report with the addition drawn on it, including measurements and setbacks to the property lines
A floor plan, showing the layout and total square footage of the proposed addition and the existing dwelling
Elevation drawings
Please see the first page of the application package for a complete list of requirements.

Lot Grading Permit

Apply by email for a lot grading permit, or contact Engineering Services at lotgrading@cityofgp.com. A lot grading permit application includes:

A completed application form
A lot grading plan, meeting the drawing requirements

Building and Subtrade Permits

Apply by email or in-person for your addition or alteration building permit and subtrade permits. There is one application form for both permits. A subtrade permit only requires a complete application form.

A building permit application includes:

A completed application form
A copy of the real property report
A floor plan, showing the layout and propsed use of the floor space. Download the additions information package or the alteration information package for more details.
Elevation drawings

Permit Fees

Development Permitting

Residential addition $150.00

Lot Grading Permit

Residential: $80.00

Safety Code Permits

Building Permit Fee: This fee is based on the cost of construction
Electrical Permit Fee: $89.50
Gas Permit Fee: $89.50
Plumbing Permit Fee: $89.50
Occupancy Certificate: $50.00

Safety Code Permits include a Safety Code Levy remitted to the Province.

Step 3: Receive Permits

Below is a list of approximate timelines based on the type of permit. The timeline begins once a complete application package is received.

Type of Permit	Processing Time	Notes
Development Permit	Usually within 10 days by email	Variances may extend the processing time
Lot Grading Permit for Residential Properties	5 business days by email
Building Permit	2-5 business days by email
Subtrade Permits	1-2 business days by email	Cannot be issued before a building permit (if required)

Step 4: Start Construction

You may begin construction once you have received all required permits. Below is contact information you may need for ground work and utilities.

Locating utility lines prior to disturbing the ground is the owner's responsibility.

Line Locate

Alberta One-Call

To make a line locate request by phone: 1-800-242-3447

To make a line locate request online: http://albertaonecall.com/submit-a-locate-request/

Utilities

ATCO Gas

Address: 8801 112 Street, Grande Prarire

Phone: 780-539-2400

Website: www.atco.com

ATCO Electric

Address: 9602 123 Street, Grande Prarire

Phone: 1-800-668-2248

Website: www.atcoelectric.com

Aquatera

Address: 11101 104 Avenue, Grande Prairie

Phone: 780-538-0340

Website: www.aquatera.ca

Step 5: Inspections

Below you will find details on what inspections are required and how to make your inspection requests.

Required Inspections

By law, we must inspect the construction work at the following stages:

Building

Foundation: After the drainage system is installed, prior to backfill (if required due to scope of addition)
Framing: After all sub-trade rough-in work is completed, but before insulating.
Pre Drywall: After insulation and vapour barrier (poly) are complete.
Final Inspection: After all work is complete.

Electrical