A development permit and a building permit are required for most new developments and changes to land use. A development permit ensures that the changes to your property meets the requirements of the Town’s Land Use Bylaw and the building permit ensures that the development meets the requirements of the Alberta Building Code.
Building Permits
Common instances that require a building permit include, but are not limited to:
- New construction and additions.
- Minor improvements (decks, sheds, hot tubs, swimming pools, wood-burning appliances, etc.).
- Demolishing and moving buildings; or
- Renovations.
Development Permits
Common instances that require a building permit include, but are not limited to:
- Excavation or stockpiling.
- New, replacements, or repairs to buildings.
- Changing current use of land or a building; or
- Placement of already constructed or partially constructed buildings.
Please refer to the Town’s Land Use Bylaw for complete information on our building and development permit requirements.
In addition to our municipal requirements, your project may require additional permits from Inspections Group Inc for your development to progress. Inspections Group Inc also provides building, plumbing, electrical and gas inspection services for the Town of Vegreville.
Applications
Don't see what you're looking for? Give our Infrastructure, Planning & Development department a call at 780-632-6479.
Decks
All decks require a development permit, however, if your deck is 2ft high and/or covered it will also require a building permit.
What do you need?
- A completed Development Permit Application & Building Permit Application form and fee (please allow 10 working days for processing permits).
- Two sets of deck plans on a scale of not less than 1:100 or legibly drawn.
- One site plan showing deck dimensions, height and setbacks from property lines and buildings.
What details should I include on a deck plan?
- Floor joist type and spacing
- Size and type of deck planking
- Size of deck (length, width, height)
- Size of beams and number of piles
- Size and spacing of columns
- Type of columns
- Construction of guard and handrails
- Construction of stairs (rise and run)
- Type of foundation
Construction Guidelines
All decks except ground level decks have setback requirements.
- The width or diameter of a wood column cannot be less than the width of the framing lumber being supported (typically a minimum 6 in x 6 in preserved wood or treated column is required).
- A handrail must be provided for stairs with more than three steps.
- Guards are required for decks over 2ft high. If the deck floor is 2ft to 5ft 11in above ground level, guards must be a minimum of 36in (900mm) high.
- If the deck floor is over 5ft 11in (1.8m) above ground level guards must be 42in (1072mm) high. There are special requirements for deck bench brackets; please call form more information.
- Guards around decks must be designed so that the rails are no more than 4in (100mm) apart and 36in above the deck floor; and the design will not allow climbing (e.g. lattice, horizontal rails, attached seats).
- Foundation support columns for attached decks must penetrate the frost level the same depth as the building or a minimum of 4 ft.
- Other conditions may apply once a full plan review is completed by the Safety Codes Officer.
An inspection is required once the deck is complete. Call 1-866-554-5048.
This information simply outlines the requirements for a fence or a residential attached deck and is only intended to offer general guidance. Please call the Infrastructure, Planning & Development department at 780-632-6479 for more information.