Residential Improvement Permits

In most situations, your interior renovation or basement development will only require a Building Permit. If your proposed design does not meet the Land Use Bylaw requirements, you will also require a development approval (Development Permit).

Other Safety Codes Permits may be required such as Electrical or Plumbing Permits, depending on the scope of work.

Note: Basements may not be developed for the purpose of creating additional dwelling units and shall not include a kitchen, containing but not limited to a stove, fridge, upper cupboards & sink (other than a bar sink). If you wish to add a kitchen in your basement, see our Secondary Suite page.

The renovation of an existing building which results in increasing the building’s external dimensions in any manner.

Examples such as Attached garages and carports, sunrooms, covered decks, and pergolas.

Other Safety Codes Permits may be required such as Electrical or Plumbing Permits, depending on the scope of work.

The overall height of a raised deck is greater than (>) 0.6 m measured from finished grade to the finished floor height.

A deck less than 0.6 m does not require a building nor a development permit, but it still has to meet the setback requirements under the City’s Land Use Bylaw.

The builder will be required to provide mandatory Home Warranty protection and proof of provincial Builder License when 75% or more of a rebuilt home is additional new construction as a result of the major renovation.

More information will be available in the New Home Buyer Protection Bulletin.

Other Safety Codes Permits may be required such as Electrical, Gas or Plumbing Permits.

If you are planning to add a kitchen and bathroom to your home to create a separate living space, you must apply for a secondary suite permit.

A secondary suite is a self-contained dwelling located on the same property as a single detached home. The City of Chestermere recognizes several types of secondary suites to provide more housing options while maintaining compatibility within residential neighbourhoods.

Types of Secondary Suites

Secondary Suite, Principal Dwelling – A suite located within the main home, such as a basement suite.
Secondary Suite, Principal Dwelling – Attached – A suite attached to the side or rear of the main home.
Secondary Suite, Accessory Building – A suite located within a detached garage or other accessory building.
Secondary Suite, Garden – A small detached standalone suite located separately from the main dwelling.

All secondary suites require the appropriate development and building permits and must comply with the City’s Land Use Bylaw 020-24 and Safety Codes requirements.