You'll need several permits whether you are constructing a Backyard Suite in a new build or within an existing Accessory Building.
A Backyard Suite is a separate dwelling unit in the backyard of a property where the principal dwelling unit is a House or Manufactured Home.
A Backyard Suite can be constructed above an Accessory Building or on its own.
Formerly referred to as a Carriage Home, it can also be called Laneway House, Garage Suite or Garden Suite.
The new Zoning Bylaw lists Backyard Suites as a permitted use in the Timberlands North neighborhood. It is listed as a discretionary use in most residential neighborhoods outside of Timberlands North.
The Zoning Bylaw can be found here: https://reddeer.ca/city-government/bylaws/zoning-bylaw/
Each neighborhood is only allowed 15 per cent of the total number of Houses to have House Suites / Backyard Suites. You can use Web Map to ensure the neighborhood your suite is in has not reached this maximum. Refer to Using Web Map to determine secondary suites Instruction Manual (pdf) to learn how.
Below are some of the regulations. To learn more, review the Zoning Bylaw found here: https://reddeer.ca/city-government/bylaws/zoning-bylaw/
Whether your proposed location lists a Backyard Suite as a permitted or discretionary use, you will require a Development Permit, a Building Permit, and the necessary subtrades permits (electrical, gas, plumbing, etc.)
Learn about the different criteria we review before issuing a Development Permit and a Building Permit.
A Development Permit is required to ensure that the Backyard Suite complies with the Zoning Bylaw in regards to location, size, and parking requirements.
Processing and review times can vary depending on the following:
Please refer to 'Schedule A' of the Development Permit Fee Bylaw to find the fees associated with a Development Permit.
A Building Permit is required to review the safety components of constructing a backyard suite, ensuring it is constructed correctly and is safe for you to use.
In most cases, it will take 7-10 business days to review and issue. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit has been issued.
Note: During building season (April 1 - October 31), processing times may take longer, due to the number of applications that are submitted during this time.
Check out what is included with each step of the process, from preparing your documents to beginning construction.
A homeowner or licensed contractor can submit permit applications. If you are not the owner of the property, you will need to include a Letter of Authorization (pdf) with the application package.
If you are a contractor requiring a City of Red Deer Business Licence, please visit our Licensing page before submitting your permit application.
Before submitting your permit applications, you need to prepare the required plan documents and forms. Review the requirements list and forms for each permit:
Apply online:
Following the instructions provided, use MyPermits and ProjectDox to submit your Building and Development Permit applications.
Note, each permit and its requirements have to be submitted separately.
Step 1: Enter permit and project information through MyPermits. (you'll be doing this step twice; once for the Development Permit application and again for the Building Permit application)
Step 2: You'll receive an email with instructions on how to upload and submit your permit requirements to ProjectDox, The City's online plan submission system.
After you've have submitted your permit application, keep an eye on your email. You will receive notifications as your permit progresses through its review.
Once we receive your complete permit applications, the Development Officer and the Building Safety Codes Officer will conduct a review of the permits, ensuring the proposed development complies with the Zoning Bylaw and the Safety Codes Act, respectively.
You will receive email notifications throughout the application process, including:
Some email servers block City of Red Deer emails, placing them in your junk or spam folder. To avoid missing important messages, add "@reddeer.ca" as an allowable sender.
You will need additional permits to put in lights and outlets, heat and plumbing.
Homeowners
The City of Red Deer allows homeowners to obtain permits; however, if you have no previous knowledge or experience with these installations, you should engage the services of a licensed contractor to apply for the required permits and complete the work.
There are a few exceptions:
Contractors
Contractors applying for permits require a valid City of Red Deer Business Licence. Please visit our Licensing page should you require a new or renewed licence prior to applying for your permit.
Homeowners and contractors can apply online using MyPermits, or submit an application form via email to inspections@reddeer.ca.
The required inspections will be determined when the Safety Codes Officer reviews your application, and will be listed on the Safety Codes Building Permit when it is approved and issued.
If you've obtained any sub-trade permits, you may need two inspections during the course of the respective permit.
If you obtain multiple sub-trades permits, these inspections will apply to each permit type.
Once your Safety Codes Building Permit has been approved and issued, you will receive an email with instructions of how to schedule an inspection.
You will receive an email notification informing you of the outcome of each inspection.
Email: inspections@reddeer.ca
Phone: 403-342-8190
In person: Main floor of City Hall, 4914 48 Avenue
City Hall is open between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and statutory holidays.