Building permits in Strathcona County

Strathcona County requires a building permit for a new or replacement uncovered deck when the deck floor is higher than 2 feet (0.6096 m) above grade.

Strathcona County requires a building permit for an accessory building larger than 11.2 m², and can also require one below that size based on construction value, parking use or health/safety impacts.

Strathcona County’s residential-improvement guidance routes basement development through the building-permit process; trade permits may also be required depending on the work.

Strathcona County requires both a development permit application and a building permit application for a secondary suite.

Strathcona County explicitly requires both development and building permits for additions to dwellings in its urban and hamlet guidance.

Strathcona County publishes project-specific residential permit routes; interior renovation requirements depend on whether the work affects regulated building systems, structure or occupancy.

Strathcona County requires permits for regulated structural construction and renovations, but the exact permit mix depends on the project scope.

Strathcona County requires a building permit for hot tubs and for above-ground swimming pools, and requires development/building/electrical permits for in-ground pools.

Strathcona County accessory-building permits depend on size, construction value, parking use and safety impacts; a garage intended for parking can require a building permit regardless of size.

Strathcona County provides separate electrical, plumbing and gas permit routes; which trade permits are needed depends on the project.

Strathcona County states that a building permit is not required for a fence except where the fence is required for an outdoor swimming pool; a development permit may still be required based on height, location or fence type.

Strathcona County’s current residential permit material does not publish one residential retaining-wall building-permit threshold that applies to every property.

Strathcona County’s current permit framework was reviewed, but the City information does not establish one residential demolition permit outcome from development-permit exemptions or general permit routing.