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Garages, decks and outdoor home improvement

If you are planning to make changes to your property, outside of your home, some projects may require an accessory permit.

Examples of projects that may need permits include:

Hot tubs and swimming pools that could contain a maximum amount of water that exceeds 0.6m (2'-0") - including above ground pools
Alteration, improvement or addition of an existing residential building, electrical wiring, plumbing or gas and related equipment
Demolishing an existing construction

Detached garage or shed

A building permit and inspection are required for all new garages or sheds over 10 meters square (107 square feet). Sheds under 10 square metres may require a permit if the shed is considered to cause a hazard.

As of March 1, 2026 all truss specifications must include a seal and signature from an Alberta Registered Engineer.

The standard detached garage design form outlines what you will need to apply for your permit, as well as the basic requirements. For further electrical information, refer to the electrical for detached garageS (pdf).

detached garage/shed design checklisT (pdf)

Deck

Looking to build a new deck, replace or add onto your existing deck? If your deck is more than two feet above finished grade (measured from the top of the finished deck to finished grade at any point around the deck), you WILL require a permit prior to starting the work. Any enclosure or roof (not including an open air pergola) over a deck or patio also requires permits.

The building a deck guideline outlines the requirements for obtaining a permit, as well as the safety requirements you must follow in the construction of your deck. If you are planning to use screw piles for your deck foundation, refer to the screw pile guideline outlining the requirements for screw piles.

Please note that access below the deck is required at the time of inspection.

uncovered deck checklisT (pdf)

Gazebo, pergola, sunroom and roof structure

Depending on the height and overall size of your gazebo or pergola, may or may not require permits. Before you begin, please review these details to ensure you can complete your project safely and in compliance with City bylaws.

Gazebos, pergolas and sunrooms are considered accessory buildings and therefore cannot be located in your front yard.

Will you require a development permit?

As long as your gazebo or detached pergola does not exceed 3.0m in height or 20.0m² in area you do not need a development permit. However, it still has to comply with all the other bylaw standards such as setbacks, total site coverage, etc.
Even if you don’t require a development permit, you will still need to provide the Development Officer with written information detailing the proposed development. This is so we can confirm that it won’t be breaking any other bylaw standards.

Will you need an accessory or building permit?

If your gazebo is under 10m2 (107 ft2) in area, you will not need a building permit. However, if it presents a risk to life safety (e.g. will have a snow load or is built of unconventional material), it may still require a building permit.
Most detached pergolas do not need a building permit. However, if it presents a risk to life safety (e.g. will have a snow load or is built of unconventional material), it may require a building permit.

Gazebo, sunroom and roof structure requirements

to confirm if your gazebo or pergola will need a building permit or not.

One thing you should have before you start to plan is a Real Property Report.

Fence

A permit is not required to build a fence.

The style, colour and design for your fence may fall under the architectural guidelines set out by the developer. It is a good idea to check with the developer in your neighbourhood for special requirements.

Location

It is also critical that you locate your fence appropriately as not to create any future issues with adjacent landowners. A surveyor may be able to assist you.

Swimming pool, spa and hot tub check list

Swimming pools are structures, basins or tanks containing an artificially created pool of water that is used for swimming, recreation and other purposes, and includes all buildings, equipment and facilities used in connection with it. This includes above ground and in ground swimming pools, swim spas and hot tubs. It doesn't include decorative landscaping ponds provided they are not intended for swimming, wading or other recreational activities.

Above ground swimming pools that are dismantled in the fall and put up again in the spring only require the initial building permit provided the pool is setup in the exact same spot as it was approved.

The following must be included in your online application for processing.

Real Property Report or site plan:

Must be complete, legible and indicate all right of ways setbacks, utility rights of way and any structures and projections on the property.
Indicate the location of the proposed swimming pool with dimensions to adjacent property lines and structures indicated.
Indicate the surrounding above ground deck (if applicable).

Pool information:

Pool size, shape and height above grade (if applicable).
Indicate whether the swimming pool will be in a fenced yard or have a lockable cover.
Surrounding above-ground deck and construction details (if applicable).
Type and location of pool heater (if applicable).
Location of chlorinator and equipment (if applicable).
Location of space heating and ventilation equipment (indoor pools only).
Manufacturer’s installation brochure (for pre-manufactured pools) that includes make, model and CSA or ULC approval number.
Provide an indication of how the pool will be drained. It must have a hose long enough to reach a sanitary drain connection (do not drain into a storm water drainage system).

Site fencing or lockable cover:

A minimum 1.8m (6’) high fence is required for all outdoor hot tubs, swim spas and swimming pools. The fence must be constructed so all horizontal or diagonal members are located on the swimming pool side and not the exterior side of the fence. The opening access through the fence must be the same height as the fence, be equipped with a self-closing device with a latching mechanism not less than 1.5m (5’) above the ground and the gate must be capable of being locked.
Fence and gate requirements may be waived provided the pool, swim spa or hot tub is provided with a lockable cover conforming to ASTM F1346 (with documentation showing it complies with this standard).

Electrical requirements:

An electrical service load calculation completed by a qualified contractor must be completed and submitted as part of the permit application to ensure the service demand does not exceed the available load provided.
Where a system is not sufficient, additional measures can be proposed to address the electrical system needs.
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI breaker) is required. The GFCI must be in a location where it can be tested and no closer than 3m (9’9”) to the pool water.
A disconnect rated to interrupt the connected load is required for each permanently connected pool pump, spa and hot tub.
The disconnect without built-in GFCI protection must be readily accessible and located no closer than 1.5m (5’) to the inside walls of the pool pump, spa or hot tub unless it is located behind a permanent barrier that will prevent the occupant from contacting the device.
Where the pool, spa or hot tub or it’s equipment is located outside of a dwelling the disconnect must also be located outside and be readily accessible.
The disconnect must be lockable when not in sight of the pool pump, spa or hot tub.
Electrical work being completed for a secondary suite must be completed by an electrical contractor. A homeowner cannot do the electrical work themselves.
There are additional requirements for an inground pool. You should discuss these requirements with a qualified contractor.

Note: Above ground swimming pools that are dismantled in the fall and put up again in the spring only require the initial building permit provided the pool is put up in the exact same spot as it was approved.

Apply for a permit

Your permit application will be submitted to and reviewed by our Building Inspections department.

Starting January 2026, a fee of $100 will be applied to each homeowner-led trade permit (electrical, plumbing, and gas). This fee supports the resources needed to keep your project progressing smoothly, and aligns with fees in neighbouring municipalities and industry standards. For a full list of permit costs, please refer to the User Fees Bylaw (PDF). Hired contractors are exempt from this fee.

Apply for an accessory permit

Request an inspection

Any work done under a permit requires an inspection, which can be booked through your myAIRDRIE account.

Book an inspection

Why is a permit important?

Getting a permit is far more important than most people think. Most people know the consequences of not getting your permit but the benefits to your safety and peace of mind are even more important.

Adding to your home
Getting a permit when you are building a deck, shed, garage, installing a hot tub or finishing your basement comes with many benefits:

Helps protect your personal safety and your family’s safety by ensuring it meets safety standards
It costs less to get it up front. If you need to get a permit after the building has been done, the cost is double. And possibly more if you need to remove drywall so inspectors can see the wiring, plumbing etc.

Selling a home
When you prepare to sell your home, the Realtor is likely to ask for permits for finished basements, hot tubs, sheds etc. or, at a minimum, the Realtor will make the buyer sign a waiver. If you need to get the permits in order to sell your house, the cost will be double and possibly more if you need to remove drywall so inspectors can see the wiring, plumbing etc.

Buying a home
Buyer beware! Make sure you ask for permits on the home you are looking to buy. If you purchase it and then need to get permits, you will end up paying the double cost.

Get your building permit to ensure your safety and avoid added costs later on.