Upcoming Projects & Permits – What do you need to know?
With Spring around the corner, many are getting ready to tackle their construction projects or are contemplating what improvements they would like to make. When planning your construction project, don’t forget to plan ahead by considering what permits may be applicable to your project. Permits ensure that the work taking place meets the current Codes and Standards so your project can be compliant and completed safely, making the most of your investment!
Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, and Private Sewage permits are required when new work is taking place or when alterations are being made to any existing system. In the building discipline, permits are required when health and safety may be at risk to ensure that the work carried out is done safely and in compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements. If your project or undertaking doesn’t impact life safety and does not exceed $5,000 in prevailing market value, a building permit is not required. Confirm with the County or your Safety Codes Officer to verify if permits are required for your project! While planning an upcoming project, remember to communicate with the County to confirm if a Development Permit is required for your project. It is important to remember that your Development Permit is not your Building permit. Even if you have obtained an approved Development Permit, you are not able to start construction until your required Safety Codes permits are approved and issued.
Building and Private Sewage Permit applications all require a code review prior to the issuance of the permit. Your approved permit is your green light to begin work. Starting work before your permit is issued can trigger costly penalties, limit the ability of the Safety Codes Officer to assist in determining compliance, and result in costly changes. The best time to make changes to your project is when it is on paper and before any work takes place. The code review will ensure that what is proposed meets the minimum code requirements to avoid any costly changes during the project.
You are able to obtain any permit for your own residence, where you dwell. If your project involves non-residential occupancy or where others will reside, you will require a licensed contractor, such as a Master Electrician, Journeyman Plumber, Gasfitter, or certified Private Sewage Installer, to obtain your permit.
Your permit will indicate how many inspections are required for your project and at what stages they are needed. Please inform the County in advance when you are ready for an inspection to ensure it can be scheduled promptly. The Safety Codes Officer will then conduct a site visit to ensure that the work completed is compliant or to inform you of any required changes. The cost of your permit includes the necessary site inspections, so maximize its value by requesting inspections at the appropriate stages to ensure compliance and get the most out of your permit fee!
Prior to undertaking any project, it is important to confirm whether a Development Permit is required. Feel free to contact the County or the contracted Safety Codes provider, The Inspections Group Inc., with any questions and to confirm when permits may be necessary for your proposed project!
For more information regarding permits in Wheatland County, please contact Wheatland County at safetycodes@wheatlandcounty.ca or 403-934-3321, or The Inspections Group Inc. at south@inspectionsgroup.com or 1-888-852-3558.