Building Permits

A building permit is required to develop a basement during or after construction. Additional electrical, plumbing, or gas permits may also be required.

A basement is considered developed when walls are framed to create rooms or spaces and rough-ins are installed. Framing alone without wiring, plumbing, or other work does not require a permit.

When applying, submit a floor plan showing:

• Existing and proposed rooms
• Room dimensions and uses
• Any structural changes
• Smoke alarm locations
• Door and window sizes and locations

Permit review and inspections help ensure your project meets safety code requirements.

Requirements

Bedroom Windows (Egress)

• Every bedroom must have at least one operable window to the outside unless the suite is sprinklered or the bedroom has a direct exterior exit.
• Window opening must be at least 0.35 m² (3.76 ft²).
• No dimension may be less than 380 mm (15 in.).
• Security bars must open from the inside without tools.

Window Wells

• Minimum clearance of 550 mm (22 in.) in front of the window.
• Open windows must not reduce the required clearance.

Furnace Clearances

• Maintain 600 mm (24 in.) in front of the furnace.
• Maintain 150 mm (6 in.) on the sides and rear of combustible construction.

Other Permits That May Be Required

• Electrical Permit
• Gas Permit
• Plumbing Permit

The City of Brooks is an accredited agency for Gas, Plumbing, and Electrical disciplines. These permits are processed directly by the City, allowing applicants to submit all Safety Code permits in one place.

See Trades Permits for more information.

A building permit is required for a covered or uncovered deck constructed 600 millimetres (mm) (23.6 inches) or more above grade.

When applying, please provide:

Site Plan

• Property dimensions
• Existing buildings
• Proposed deck location and dimensions
• Distance from property lines

Construction Details

• Foundation and pile depth
• Piles must extend at least 1.2 m (4 ft.) below grade
• Foundation details and footing sizes
• Deck materials, joists, and beams
• Guard rail details (if required)

Guard Rails

Guard rails are required for decks 600 mm (24 in.) or more above grade.

Guard rails must:

• Protect all open sides
• Be at least 900 mm (35 in.) high
• Be 1,070 mm (42 in.) high where the deck is more than 1.8 m (6 ft.) above grade
• Have openings no larger than 100 mm (4 in.)
• Not include features that can be climbed

If a bench is installed beside a guard rail, the guard rail height may need to be adjusted to meet code requirements.

A Development Permit May Be Required

A development permit may also be required. Please contact the Development Department at 403-362-3333 to determine if one is required for your proposed work.

A building permit is required to construct a detached garage.

Requirements

• Maximum height: 4.5 m (14.7 ft.) measured from average lot grade to the roof peak.
• Detached garages may only contain one storey.
• Detached garages are not permitted in a front yard.
• Maximum lot coverage for all accessory buildings is 15% of the lot area.
• An electrical light fixture is required in all garages.

For garages larger than 55 m² (592 ft²), foundation walls and footings extending 1.2 m (4 ft.) below grade may be required. Alternative foundation designs may require review by a Professional Engineer.

A completed Natural Gas Facilities Location Request must be submitted with your application. Garages may not be constructed over a gas line unless approved by the utility provider.

Application Requirements

Site Plan

• Property dimensions
• Existing buildings
• Proposed garage location and dimensions
• Setbacks from property lines

Construction Details

• Foundation and footing information
• Wall construction details
• Door and window locations and sizes
• Roof construction and exterior finishes

A site plan prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor may be required in some circumstances.

Other Permits May Be Required

• Electrical Permit
• Gas Permit
• Plumbing Permit

The City of Brooks is an accredited agency for Gas, Plumbing, and Electrical disciplines. These permits are processed directly by the City, allowing applicants to submit all Safety Code permits in one place.

See Trades Permits for more information.

A permit is not required to construct a fence provided it complies with City of Brooks regulations and is located entirely on your property.

Fence Height Requirements

Interior Lots

• Front yard: maximum 1.0 m (39 in.)
• Side and rear yards: maximum 2.0 m (78 in.)

Corner Lots

• Maximum 0.8 m (31 in.) within the Clear Vision Zone.

Additional Requirements

• Fences must be located entirely on your property.
• Fences should not be constructed from dangerous materials in residential areas.
• Barbed wire and similar materials may be permitted on commercial and industrial properties when installed at least 1.8 m (5.9 ft.) above grade.
• Property lines can be confirmed through a Real Property Report or Alberta Land Surveyor.
• Fences must not be located on City-owned land between the property line and the curb or sidewalk.
• If the fence is located on a shared property line, discussing the project with your neighbour before construction is recommended.

Clear Vision Zone

The Clear Vision Zone is the triangular area at the corner of a property adjacent to a public roadway where visibility must be maintained for pedestrians and vehicles.

A building permit is required for swimming pools and hot tubs deeper than 600 mm (24 in.).

Fencing Requirements

Swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence, wall, or enclosure at least 1.8 m (6 ft.) high.

Pool gates must:

• Match the height of the fence
• Be self-closing and self-latching
• Be lockable
• Have the latch located at least 1.5 m (5 ft.) above grade on the inside of the gate

Hot Tubs

A fence is not required for an outdoor hot tub provided:

• The water surface does not exceed 2.4 m (8 ft.) in width
• The cover can support the weight of an adult
• The cover is lockable
• The cover remains locked when the hot tub is not in use

Application Requirements

Site Plan

• Property dimensions
• Existing buildings
• Proposed pool or hot tub location and dimensions
• Distances from property lines

Construction Details

• Pool or hot tub construction plans

A Development Permit May Be Required

A development permit may also be required. Please contact the Development Department at 403-362-3333 to determine if one is required for your proposed work.

Requirements

• No building permit is required for sheds 10 m² (108 ft²) or smaller, provided they meet Land Use Bylaw requirements.
• A building permit is required for sheds larger than 10 m² (108 ft²).
• A development permit may also be required. Contact the City to confirm requirements before construction.

Shed Regulations

• Sheds are not permitted in a front yard.
• Sheds must be at least 1.5 m (5 ft.) from the principal building.
• Sheds 10 m² (108 ft²) or larger must be at least 1 m (3.3 ft.) from side and rear property lines.
• Sheds smaller than 10 m² (108 ft²) on a temporary foundation do not require side or rear setbacks but must be at least 1 m (3.3 ft.) from other accessory buildings.
• Residential properties may have a maximum of three accessory structures.
• Total lot coverage for all accessory buildings cannot exceed 15% of the property.
• Maximum shed height is 4.5 m (14.7 ft.).

Application Requirements

Site Plan

• Property dimensions
• Existing buildings
• Proposed shed location and dimensions

Construction Details

• Foundation information
• Wall construction details
• Door and window locations
• Roof construction and exterior finishes