Do I Need a Building Permit?
Decks:
Any uncovered horizontal structure less than 0.6 m above the ground is considered a patio and does not require a building permit. Anything higher than 0.6m from the ground is considered a deck and requires a building permit.
Covered porches and decks (including attached pergolas):
A pergola or roof structure that is attached to your house is considered an addition and requires a permit. Any sort of roof structure that is detached from the house is considered an accessory residential building. If it is under 10 m² in area typically you do not require a building permit.
Fences:
A building permit is not required to construct a fence on a residential property.
Retaining Walls:
A building permit and engineer involvement will be required when the structure is holding 1.2 m (4ft) of soil.
Why Get A Permit?
Permits and inspections are safeguards put in place to protect the homeowner, against fly-by-night contractors who do shoddy work and don't follow the permit process, and the contractor.
As a homeowner, you are responsible for paying any penalties, even if you hired a contractor who assured you permits were not needed.
If you, as a homeowner, do not have permits for work that has been started or completed, there could be consequences if you do not take action to correct the situation, such as:
For more information about building permits, go to www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Home-building-and-renovations/Home-Improvement-Hub.aspx
Why Use A Licensed Contractor Like Gateway Outdoor Living?
A contractor with a valid City of Calgary license is able to obtain permits on your behalf.
Also, you can be assured that a licensed contractor does not have a criminal record.
Is a Written Contract Necessary?
A written contract protects the customer and the contractor, and eliminates mis-understandings by clarifying the scope of work, price, payment terms, schedule, etc. Without a written contract, the customer has no protection against faulty workmanship and assumes all liability for injuries and damage that occurs on site.
Is a Cash Deal Available?
No! A cash contractor is avoiding paying income tax and GST, which means you and I are subsidizing his existence. If he's dishonest about this aspect of his business, can you trust him with your project?
Is a Deposit Required?
No. Contractors requesting pre-payments or progress payment for work must be licensed with the Government of Alberta as a pre-paid contractor. For more info go to www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/ Gateway Outdoor Living is not a pre-paid contractor.
Decks:
Any uncovered horizontal structure less than 0.6 m above the ground is considered a patio and does not require a building permit. Anything higher than 0.6m from the ground is considered a deck and requires a building permit.
Covered porches and decks (including attached pergolas):
A pergola or roof structure that is attached to your house is considered an addition and requires a permit. Any sort of roof structure that is detached from the house is considered an accessory residential building. If it is under 10 m² in area typically you do not require a building permit.
Fences:
A building permit is not required to construct a fence on a residential property.
Retaining Walls:
A building permit and engineer involvement will be required when the structure is holding 1.2 m (4ft) of soil.
Why Get A Permit?
Permits and inspections are safeguards put in place to protect the homeowner, against fly-by-night contractors who do shoddy work and don't follow the permit process, and the contractor.
As a homeowner, you are responsible for paying any penalties, even if you hired a contractor who assured you permits were not needed.
If you, as a homeowner, do not have permits for work that has been started or completed, there could be consequences if you do not take action to correct the situation, such as:
- Enforcement action issued by a City inspector.
- A fine for building without a permit.
- Having to undo work that has been completed.
- Future legal and financial issues when selling your property or making an insurance claim.
- Having to do more work than was originally planned and budgeted.
For more information about building permits, go to www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Home-building-and-renovations/Home-Improvement-Hub.aspx
Why Use A Licensed Contractor Like Gateway Outdoor Living?
A contractor with a valid City of Calgary license is able to obtain permits on your behalf.
Also, you can be assured that a licensed contractor does not have a criminal record.
Is a Written Contract Necessary?
A written contract protects the customer and the contractor, and eliminates mis-understandings by clarifying the scope of work, price, payment terms, schedule, etc. Without a written contract, the customer has no protection against faulty workmanship and assumes all liability for injuries and damage that occurs on site.
Is a Cash Deal Available?
No! A cash contractor is avoiding paying income tax and GST, which means you and I are subsidizing his existence. If he's dishonest about this aspect of his business, can you trust him with your project?
Is a Deposit Required?
No. Contractors requesting pre-payments or progress payment for work must be licensed with the Government of Alberta as a pre-paid contractor. For more info go to www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/ Gateway Outdoor Living is not a pre-paid contractor.
