Addition & Renovation Permit

Adding an Addition or making renovations to the interior / exterior of an existing building may also require Professional involvement if the project includes structural changes.

Development Considerations

The first step of any project is obtaining Development approval. Approval is obtained when a Development Officer reviews the submitted site plan and building drawings and determines that they meet the minimum requirements outlined in Land Use Bylaw 6300.

Development officers review each application by first determining which zoning district the parcel is located in. Each residential parcel in the City of Lethbridge has a specific zoning district assigned to it. Within each zoning district is a set of requirements outlining both permitted and discretionary uses of the parcel, minimum parcel sizes, setbacks from parcel lines for principal and accessory buildings, heights of buildings, etc.

To determine the zoning district of your parcel, visit the Property Information Map, click the 'Property Search' button and enter your address. Once you have determined your zoning district, locate the corresponding district rules in Land Use Bylaw 6300 to determine the minimum requirements for your parcel.
For further information please contact Development Services 403-320-3920 or by email at planninganddesign@lethbridge.ca

Required Permits and Inspections

New Home Warranty/Exemption Number: any addition consisting of more than 75% of the original structure constructed in Alberta must be entered into the New Home Buyer Protection Public Registry with Alberta Municipal affairs, and will receive either a New Home Warranty number or Exemption number.
Building Permit: may require Footing & Foundation, Framing, Insulation & Vapor Barrier, and Final inspections, depending on the scope of work.
Electrical Permit: may be issued to the Homeowner or licensed contractor. A Rough-in and Final inspection are required.
Plumbing Permit: may be issued to the Homeowner or licensed contractor. A Rough-in and Final inspection are required. An optional Below-grade and Above-grade inspection are available.
Gas Permit: will only be issued to a licensed contractor. A Rough-in and Final inspection are required.
Heating & Ventilation: may be issued to the Homeowner or licensed contractor. A Rough-in and Final inspection are required.

Design Considerations

Footing & foundation, framing, insulation & vapor barrier, wiring, plumbing, gas and ventilation requirements are to be completed in accordance with applicable codes.
Egress windows for bedrooms must indicate the opening type and meet minimum safety requirements
Design requirements for Tall Walls are to be addressed.
Structural members must be specified (floor/roof/deck beams, garage door headers, basement window lintels, etc.)
Attic access locations and dimensions must be shown.
Engineered column and pad footing specifications must be provided on foundation plans for point loads in excess of 8000 lbs. unfactored (11600 lbs. factored) loads.
Unprotected area calculations for glazed openings in exterior walls must be provided.
ICF block foundations require a copy of the installers certification to be submitted.
Screw piles or cast in place friction piles are to be designed by a professional engineer.

Permit Application

Addition & Renovation Permit:

Site plan (with Architectural Controls if applicable)
Floor plans for all floors
4 sided building elevations
Cross section
Truss floor & roof layouts with corporate letter
Drawing Details – ie) Tall wall (if applicable)
Engineered Drawings (if applicable)