Two types of satellite dishes can be placed on a property. One type can be connected to a pole and mounted in the ground, and the other can be attached to the building.

Satellite dish specifications must be followed when this structure is added to a property. Please note that it is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure permits are obtained.

Installed on the Ground
A free-standing satellite dish, which means it is connected to a pole mounted onto the ground and is not attached to any part of a building, and is over 1 m (3.28 ft.) in diameter requires a development permit.

A free-standing satellite dish must meet the following requirements:

• Installed in the rear yard only
• Shorter than 5.0 m (16.4 ft) in height
• Installed no closer than 0.9 m (3 ft) to neighbouring yards or lanes
• Installed no closer than 4.5 m (14.8 ft) beside roadway property lines (in corner lots)

Attached to the Building
A satellite dish which is attached to a building, and is over 450 mm (18 inch) in diameter, requires a building permit. Even when it is attached to a balcony, it is still considered attached to a building, and must be reviewed under the Alberta Building Code regulations.

An attached satellite dish should meet the following requirements:

• Shorter than 11.5 m (37.7 ft) in height (including the highest part of the roof) for rooftop installations
• Should not be visible from the front yard

Conditions
A satellite dish may be painted any colour. However it cannot be illuminated or used as an advertising sign.

A development officer may require you to screen off or use landscaping to minimize the visual impact of your satellite dish.

Inspection
A final inspection is mandatory under the building permit process. Contact our office to arrange an inspection once the work is completed.

Additional Information

Installing a Satellite Dish Brochure 
Questions about Telecommunications Facilities Brochure
 

Application Procedure

To apply, mail or bring the following items to our office:

• Your property's municipal address and legal description (plan number, block and lot as shown on your tax notice)
• Three copies of a site plan, showing:
  1. Size of property
  2. Size and location of all buildings
  3. Size and location of satellite dish
  4. Distance from satellite dish to property lines
  5. Proposed height of the dish
• In rooftop installations or installations where the dish is attached to the building, a registered Alberta Professional Engineer-signed construction plan should be included

Processing

A development officer will review the application according to the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw. If approved, a development permit will be issued.

1. If there is a relaxation required, public notification is required. The notification period, in which your neighbours may appeal the development officer's decision, is approximately three weeks.
2. If required, the application is then reviewed by a safety codes officer.
3. If an application is denied, an appeal can be made through the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, 2nd Floor City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton Alberta, T5J 2R7, Phone: 780-496-6079.

For a satellite dish that is free-standing:
Development permit is $156 after January 1, 2012.
(No permits are required for small (pizza sized) satellite dishes.)

For a satellite dish that is attached to the building:
Development permit is $156 after January 1, 2012.
(No permits are required for small (pizza sized) satellite dishes.)

Note: There is an additional $40 fee if development permit is discretionary and notices need to be sent out.

Building permit: Fee will be the total of your building permit (based on the construction value involved in installing the satellite dish) plus a safety code fee, which is charged on all building permits.

Construction Value Fees (2012)

Construction value includes:

1. Building components (all materials used in the construction of the building including all building services, electrical, fire alarm and detection systems, and fire protection equipment)
2. Plumbing components (fixtures, drainage system, venting systems, water systems or any part thereof)
3. Electrical components
4. Heating components (systems and equipment for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning)

Construction value does NOT include things like siding, painting etc.

For more information:

Customer Information and Support Services