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Construction of a garden suite requires Development and Building permits
A permit is required before beginning construction or renovation of a garden suite.
Typically, garden suites are single or two-storey structures built in the back yards of single detached homes, semi-detached homes and row houses, and must have their own kitchen, bathroom and living space. They are also known as garage suites, carriage houses, backyard suites or laneway homes.
An accessory building containing a dwelling, which is located separate from the principal use which is Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing, or Multi-unit Housing in the form of row housing.
Garden suites can benefit everyone. Learn more about garden suites and the steps you need to take to build one.
Fees are based on the square footage of the building that is being constructed.
Effective January 1, 2022
Fee will be the total of your Building Permit plus a safety code fee, which is charged on all Building Permits.
Effective January 1, 2022
$0 - $5,000
Building Permit Fee: $114
Safety Code Fee: $4.56
$5,001-$10,000
Building Permit Fee: $282
Safety Code Fee: $11.28
$10,001-$25,000
Building Permit Fee: $282
Safety Code Fee: $11.28
$25,001-$50,000
Building Permit Fee: $524
Safety Code Fee: $20.96
$50,001-$100,000
Building Permit Fee: $1015
Safety Code Fee: $40.60
Over $100,000
Building Permit Fee: $1,976
Safety Code Fee: $79.04
All materials used in the construction of the building including all building services, electrical, fire alarm and detection systems, and fire protection equipment.
Includes fixtures, drainage system, venting systems, water systems or any part thereof.
Systems and equipment for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning.
Construction value does NOT include furnishings, rugs, floor coverings, curtains etc.
If you are developing a secondary suite, a garage suite or garden suite, you need to know that your Waste Management Services Fee is affected.
The basic development process involves the following steps:
Review: City staff will review all development applications and building plans.
Approve/Refuse: Development permits must comply with zoning regulations and building permits must comply with all applicable safety codes.
Construct: You may start building once you have the approved Development Permit and issued Building Permit.
Inspect: Projects must undergo specific inspections to audit construction.
Working With Neighbourhoods webpage provides a list of resources and tips for best practices for building.
Temporary use or crossing of the road right-of-way for demolition, deliveries, and construction requires On-Street Construction and Maintenance (OSCAM) Permits. This is to ensure you are not damaging the boulevard, sidewalk or City-owned trees while you access your site. You should apply for your OSCAM Permit once your Demolition or Building Permit applications have been submitted.
City staff may request additional information at various stages of the Development Permit and Building Permit process. To learn how to reply to a more information request in selfserve.edmonton.ca, see the More Information Requested (MIR) Guide.
Changes and revisions can be submitted at various stages of the process.
To make changes before a Development Permit or Building Permit is issued, consult with the City staff assigned to your file.
After a Development Permit or Building Permit is issued, request Permit Revisions in selfserve.edmonton.ca.
Note: some changes after construction begins may be made without engaging in the Permit Revision process. For details, review .
Submit blower door rest results to BPRevisions@edmonton.ca.
Review your permit conditions or the 9.36 section of www.edmonton.ca/energycode for ways to resolve Energy Efficiency deviations.