These permits are applicable to non-residential (commercial, industrial, institutional, and similar buildings), large-scale residential (apartments, row houses with five or more units), mixed-use (a mix of residential and non-residential) developments, and temporary structures such as storage sheds and sea cans.
All projects require:
The typical project process for a new commercial building.
You can identify the zone and any applicable overlays of your site using the interactive zoning map.
Also refer to the Specific Development Regulations in the Zoning Bylaw to understand additional requirements related to your specific uses.
Use the GeoDiscover Alberta Map to determine whether abandoned wells are located on your property.
Use the Listing of Historic Resources to help determine if there may be a historic resource concern in your proposed project area. For more information on how to receive Historical Resources Act approval for a development project, visit the Government of Alberta’s website.
Pre-application meetings are not required but highly encouraged for new buildings and additions and significant renovations.
Applicants who book pre-application meetings find that meetings shorten development permit review times.
Refer to the Pre-Application Meetings web page for more details and to book a time.
Applications for new buildings, additions and some facade improvements may be subject to review by the Edmonton Design Committee if they are located in designated areas. See page 9 of the bylaw.
The Development Planner will determine whether your project will be subject to review by the Edmonton Design Committee while reviewing your application.
The Edmonton Design Committee reviews and provides recommendations to applicants and the City regarding development applications.
The Development Planner will consider the Edmonton Design Committee's comments before issuing the Development Permit.
For more information, including submission requirements, see Edmonton Design Committee.
If your project involves complex, unique, industrial, commercial, or large-scale residential infill development you may qualify for enhanced service with a Client Liaison.
To learn about qualification criteria and contact information, see Client Liaison.
General Resources
Zoning Bylaw 20001
Historical Land Use Bylaw - Use this when a Direct Control Zone references a previous version of the land use bylaw
Interactive Maps, including the Zoning Map
Zoning Matrix
Plans In Effect
Current Development Permit Applications Map
Signs
The table below lists documents required to be submitted in order for your application to be accepted for review.
Additional information may be requested when your application is under review.
Applications are considered incomplete if documents are missing or do not include all information listed in the standards.
Submitting an incomplete application will extend project timelines.
| Application Requirements | Applications Standards and Guides |
| Site Plan | Site Plan Standards |
| Floor Plan | Floor Plan Standards |
| Elevation Drawings | Elevation Drawing Standards |
| Fire Safety Document | Fire Access Plan Requirements Swept Path Analysis |
| Landscaping Plan | Landscape Plan Standards Landscape Plan Sample More information on landscaping securities and policies. |
| Certificate of Title | Must be a current copy, obtained within the past 3 months. Alberta Land Titles |
| Legal Documents | Restrictive covenants, utility rights-of-way, easements, caveats |
| Survey Plan | Prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor within the past 3 months. |
| Abandoned Wells Confirmation | Completed form and associated map |
Carefully review the application requirements to submit a complete application. The table below lists documents required to begin your application.
Additional information may be requested when your application is under review.
Applications are considered incomplete if documents are missing or do not include information listed in standards.
Submitting an incomplete application will extend application timelines.
Note: Building permit plan standards are different from development permit standards.
Apply for permits online at selfserve.edmonton.ca. The project can then be managed by the permit holder or delegated constructor through the project dashboard.
The permit holder can see the status, respond to more information requests, find reviewed plans and permit documents to have on the job site, add and change trades, initiate the revision process if needed, request all inspections, and track inspection outcomes.
For inquiries and questions, please book a virtual or in-person appointment.
For a complete list of fees see:
There are several ways to make a payment.
Additional fees may apply. Additional charges may apply for revisions.
City staff will review your application for compliance with the Zoning Bylaw and applicable Safety Codes.
Overall application processing times can be found on the development and construction application processing times web page. Applicants can also check the status of their specific application by visiting their project dashboard in selfserve.edmonton.ca.
City staff may request additional information at various stages of the Development Permit and Building Permit process. To learn how to reply to a more information request in selfserve.edmonton.ca , see the More Information Requested (MIR) Guide.
To make changes before a Development Permit or Building Permit is issued, consult the City staff assigned to your file.
After a Development Permit or Building Permit is issued, request Permit Revisions in selfserve.edmonton.ca . Additional charges may apply for revisions.
To cancel your application, email the Cancellation/Refund Request form to the person who is handling your application.
After your project has progressed to the right stage, you must request that a Safety Codes inspector visit your site.
Failure to complete required inspections may result in you having to remove finished walls and/or additional inspection costs and delays.
All required inspections for a project are listed in SelfServe after issuing a permit. You can request, cancel, or reschedule them there. You can also request inspections by calling 311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311).
Deviation from reviewed plans cannot be endorsed on-site. When work completed does not match the reviewed plans, revised plans must be submitted for additional review.
Review the Commercial Inspections page to learn:
