Multi-family Dwelling

Under the Alberta Building Code, a multi-family dwelling is a building that contains up to four dwelling units and does not exceed 600 m2. A building with a footprint larger than 600 m2 and/or containing more than four dwelling units is classified as commercial development and professional involvement is required.

Under the Land Use Bylaw (development permit), a multi-family dwelling is a building with four or more dwelling units.

Below is a list of steps required to construct multi-family dwelling units.

Step 1: Establish Requirements

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

Development Permit

Yes, a development permit is required for all multi-family developments.

Lot Grading Permit

Yes, a lot grading permit is required for this work.

Building and Subtrade Permits

In addition to a building permit for each unit, the following subtrade permits are required for each unit as well:

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 multi-family development permit. An application includes:

A completed application form
A completed addressing form
A right of entry and authorization form signed by the property owner
A plot plan showing all building dimensions and setbacks to the property line
A floor plan for each floor with measurements and rooms identified.
Elevation drawings of all sides
See the instruction sheet on the front 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 multi family dwelling building permit and subtrade permits. There is one application form for both permits.

A building permit application includes:

A completed application form
A copy of the real property report
A floor plan, showing the layout and proposed use of the floor space. Download the multi family dwelling unit instruction package for more details.
Elevation drawings

Permit Fees

Development Permitting

$150.00 per unit

Lot Grading Permit

Residential: $80.00

Safety Code Permits

*Note: Each dwelling unit will require a separate set of permits

Building Permit Fee: This fee is established from the cost of construction
Electrical Permit Fee: $244.40
Plumbing Permit Fee: $156.00
Gas Permit Fee: $156.00
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 the type of permit. The timeline begins once a complete application package is received.

Type of Permit	Processing Time	Notes
Development Permit	usually within 25 days by e-mail	Variances and discretionary uses may lengthen the timeline
Lot Grading Permit for Residential Properties	5 business days by email
Building Permit	5 business days by email
Subtrade Permits	2 business days by email	Cannot be issued before a building permit

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.

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 Prairie

Phone: 780-539-2400

Website: www.atco.com

ATCO Electric

Address: 9602 123 Street, Grande Prairie

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

Your permit is only as good as the inspections that go with it. Please see below for 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: Prior to backfill (if applicable)
Framing: After all subtrade 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