September 22, 2021 

City of Edmonton – Automated Detached Garage Permit Review - Customers applying for detached garage permits online will now benefit from an improved process that uses automation to check simple, lower-risk applications for completeness and compliance with the zoning bylaw and applicable building code requirements. Permits that meet the criteria for automated review will be issued in as little as one day. Read more.

City of Edmonton - Detached Garage and Accessory Building Foundation Requirements - Detached garages and accessory buildings that are 55 square metres or greater, or support a second storey and/or a roof-top deck, must be supported on a Code-compliant footing and frost wall or engineered foundation.  For those under 55 square metres, a concrete slab may be used as a foundation/ floor combination in most instances. Read more.

City of Edmonton - Garage Electrical Receptacle Requirement Changes - Effective October 1, 2021, any electrical receptacles in garages that are 30 amps or greater will require a load calculation unless there is an energy management system installed with the receptacle. This requirement is being introduced due to these receptacles increasingly being used for car chargers, which can affect the demand load on the main breaker in a home. Questions? Contact Gerry Wiles.

City of Edmonton – Verification of Compliance - In the spring of 2020, the City expanded the use of Verification of Compliance (VOC) as an option for re-inspection of corrected building or trade permit deficiencies identified from an earlier inspection. This method involves providing a self-declaration and photographic supporting evidence that verifies the deficiencies from the previous inspection have been rectified. Read more.

City of Edmonton - Foundation Engineering Requirements for Precast Concrete Stair Brackets - The City is requesting that an engineer review relevant house foundation details and provide confirmation that the affected foundation walls are capable of "resisting the forces" of the brackets, precast concrete stair as well as the roof load where applicable. In order to do this, the engineer will have to consider and confirm the number and location of brackets and, where applicable, the roof load path onto any beams and support members below. Read more.

City of Edmonton - Site Fencing Requirements - Site fencing is required on all sites where construction activities, including demolition and excavation, commence or where the site presents a hazard to the public as per Part 8 of the National Building Code – Alberta Edition. Fencing can be removed when the structure is at lock up stage. Read more. 

City of Edmonton - Discontinuation of USEB Cable for Branch Circuits - With the new 2021 Electrical Code coming into effect on February 1, 2022, the City will no longer allow the use of USEB cable for branch circuits. This means that for all branch circuits, including street lighting, a bonding conductor must be incorporated into the cable or added in the conduit. For more information, please refer to the 2021 Code. Questions? Contact Gerry Wiles.

City of Edmonton - New Ground Plate Installation Method - The City of Edmonton has announced new measures for ground plate installation that will be in effect as of August 1, 2021. Read more.

City of Edmonton - Automatic Permit Review for Simple Deck Applications - Customers applying for deck permits online will now benefit from a new process that automatically reviews applications. This new process supports quicker and more consistent timelines for permits. Read more.