Summer Fun & Safety Codes

We hope everyone has been enjoying the sun and summer days now upon us! In Alberta we try to take advantage of our good weather, often by spending more time outside and in our yards. This is reflected in Safety Codes as we see an increase in applications and questions regarding swimming pools and sun shelters. To make sure you can escape the heat and cool down, we also see an increase in permits for the installation of air conditioning units. To ensure your summer months remain enjoyable and to protect your investment, as well as, your friends and family, ensure you check with a Safety Codes Officer regarding any potential permitting requirements or code requirements before you get to work.

An above ground swimming pool is a popular way to escape the heat, however many are not aware this requires a building permit even though it is temporary for the summer months. The Building Code has requirements for above ground pools for temporary use to ensure safety. Such applicable requirements include a protective cover or ensuring appropriate fencing is in place.

As the weather cools down, perhaps you are investigating the purchase of a hot tub. A hot tub for personal use also requires a building permit to ensure safety such as certified covers or fencing as well as the placement of the unit is verified. Be aware that the placement of any body of water such as a pool or hot tub on an elevated structure such as a deck, will have additional code requirements and verifications to ensure the structures capacity to hold the considerable increase in load.

Gazebos, sun shelters and sunrooms become prevalent in the summer months. Does your purchase require a building permit? If your prefabricated gazebo, sun shelter or sunroom is less then $5,000 – a building permit is not required, regardless of its size or dimensions. If your purchase will be exceeding $5,000 it triggers a building permit. Please be aware that the building code will require the engineering specifications from the company will be required. Not all companies are willing to provide this information, however there are many companies that have the required information available for you. This is something to investigate and be aware of prior to your purchase! If you are building a gazebo, sun shelter or sunroom yourself, a building permit would be required if the area exceeds 10 sq m, regardless of the value. These guidelines may not include the specifics of every available product and scenario so please remember to contact your Safety Codes Officer to verify what might be applicable for you. Also, remember that all buildings/structures over 100 sq ft require a Development Permit in Wheatland County, regardless of the cost.

When you are ready to escape the heat with the new installation of an air conditioning unit, a building permit is not required however, as this is an alteration to your electrical system – an electrical permit will be required. If you have a contractor completing this work for you, double check with them as they generally obtain the permit on your behalf.

Good luck with your projects and remember that we are here to help with any questions you may have.

For more information, please contact Wheatland County at 403-934-3321 or safetycodes@wheatlandcounty.ca or The Inspections Group Inc. at 1-888-852-3558 or south@inspectionsgroup.com