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 metre (3.28 feet) 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 metres (16.4 feet) in height
- Installed no closer than 0.9 metres (3 feet) to neighbouring yards or lanes
- Installed no closer than 4.5 metres (14.8 feet) beside roadway property lines (in corner lots)
Attached to the Building
A satellite dish which is attached to a building, and is over 45 centimetres (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 metres (37.7 feet) 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.
Additional Information
Please note: The information on this webpage still reflects the policies and regulations that were in effect prior to Zoning Bylaw 20001 coming into effect on January 1, 2024.
If you have specific questions regarding how the current zoning regulations apply to your project, please refer to Zoning Bylaw 20001, speak with your Development Planner, or email us at developmentpermits@edmonton.ca
Thank you for your patience as we update our content.
Application Procedure
How to apply
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:
- Size of property
- Size and location of all buildings
- Size and location of satellite dish
- Distance from satellite dish to property lines
- 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.
- 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 four weeks.
- If required, the application is then reviewed by a safety codes officer.
- If an application is refused, an appeal can be made through the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, Churchill Building, 10019 103 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 0G9, Phone: 780-496-6079.
Inspection
A final inspection is mandatory under the building permit process. Contact our office at 311 to arrange an inspection once the work is completed.
To prepare for the required inspections in occupied homes, please ensure:
- an individual 18 years of age or older who is responsible for the property is present during the inspection
- clear and unobstructed access to all areas of inspection is provided
- all pets are securely contained
Please note: the Safety Codes Officers are required to wear shoes while performing their duties in your home.
2024 Permit Fees
Development Permit
Effective January 1, 2024
For a satellite dish that is free-standing:
Development permit is $185
(No permits are required for small (pizza-sized) satellite dishes under 1 metre in diameter.)
For a satellite dish that is attached to the building:
Development permit is $185
(No permits are required for small (pizza-sized) satellite dishes under 1 metre in diameter.)
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.
2024 Construction Values (effective January 1, 2024)
Value of Construction: $0 - $10,000
Building Permit Fee: $115
Safety Code Fee: $4.60
Value of Construction: $10,001-$50,000
Building Permit Fee: $370
Safety Code Fee: $14.80
Value of Construction: $50,001-$100,000
Building Permit Fee: $1035
Safety Code Fee: $41.40
Value of Construction: Over $100,000
Building Permit Fee: $2015
Safety Code Fee: $80.60
Construction Value Includes
- 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)
- Plumbing components (fixtures, drainage system, venting systems, water systems or any part thereof)
- Electrical components
- Heating components (systems and equipment for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning)
Construction value does NOT include furnishings, such as rugs, floor coverings and curtains.