Pointers

All you need to know for your next project.

BUILDING PERMITS FAQ

November 5, 2020 /

Here are some helpful responses when navigating the permit process. Remember that regulations are subject to changes all the time so please be sure to validate the information that applies to your situation. My renovation was completed years ago without permit(s) do I need a permit? Yes, you ...

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A HELPFUL PERMIT PROCESS GUIDE

November 4, 2020 /

WHAT IS A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMIT? A residential building permit allows the construction of a building or structure to progress on the condition that it addresses and complies with the Building Code of a city, town, or county. In some cases, buildings and structures may be exempt from the permit...

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Everything you need to know about development permit “A guide to development permit”

October 7, 2020 /

What is a Development Permit A development permit approves the use of a site, as well as the size and location of any buildings or structures. A development permit provides permission for a specific type of development to take place. The permit can be for any development such as the construction...

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Looking for a Home with a Secondary Suite?

April 17, 2017 / Permit Pointers

What to Look for When Purchasing a Home with a Secondary Suite  So, you’ve decided to purchase a home with a secondary suite. It’s an excellent investment for immediate passive income or assistance with a new mortgage, as well as your home’s future value. But what’s next? It’s imper...

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Should you Buy a Home with a Secondary Suite?

April 11, 2017 / Permit Pointers

Should you Buy a Home with a Secondary Suite?  If you’ve ever hunted for a new home, either for yourself or as an investment, you’ll likely come across homeowners advertising the existence of a secondary suite at their property. Secondary suites in single-family homes have long been position...

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What to Expect with an Energy Auditor

March 3, 2017 / Permit Pointers

If you’ve taken the steps to engage an energy auditor to gain more control over your energy efficiency, you may be wondering what to expect during your audit. In the way of time expectations you will likely spend about two and a half to three hours with an auditor in your home. The auditor will...

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Why You Need to Perform an Energy Audit

February 28, 2017 / Permit Pointers

With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of the “national floor price” for carbon pricing comes many questions around taxes for carbon emissions in both private residences and businesses in Canada. The last thing you want to do as either a home or business owner is to be surprised by ...

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Why Laneway Houses might be a good investment

February 27, 2017 / Permit Pointers

I recently participated in a panel of experts in the discussion of laneway houses. It is a presentation that is put forward twice a year and is intended to answer as many questions about planning, financing and building laneway houses. Every time, I learn a little more about laneway houses and the ...

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Appeal against the refusal of a Laneway house

February 10, 2017 / SDAB

On October 20, 2016, I filed an appeal against the refusal to Construct a 2 Laneway House (Garage Suite on second floor, Garage on main floor) existing without permits . On November 23, I appeared before the Edmonton Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) in a case that ended in favour of ...

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Appeal against a Fascia Sign refusal

February 8, 2017 / SDAB

On October 27, 2016, I filed an appeal against the refusal to install a fascia sign defined in the land use bylaw as a “Fascia On-premise Sign” for Full Force Fitness. On November 24, I appeared before the Edmonton Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) in a case that ended in favour of...

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SDAB decision for a Freestanding Sign

February 7, 2017 / Permit PointersSDAB

On October 28, 2015, I filed an appeal against the refusal for the permission to install a Freestanding Sign otherwise defined as  “Freestanding On-premises Sign / Minor Digital On-premise Sign”. On December 3rd, I appeared before the Edmonton Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) in ...

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Appeal against the refusal of an existing front driveway

February 3, 2017 /

On November 29, 2016, I filed an appeal against the refusal of an existing front driveway. On December 14th, I appeared before the Edmonton Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) in a case that ended in favour of my appeal submission. Here is the general rundown of the issues and outcome of...

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Carbon tax and your energy efficiency

February 2, 2017 /

Last November, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that by 2018, Canada would have a “national floor price” for carbon pricing. Carbon pricing is a tax aimed at lowering carbon emission, both for private residences and manufacturers and businesses. The minimum tax that Canadians can expect t...

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When do you need a Kitchen Renovation Permit?

October 26, 2016 /

Let's try to demystify when you need a Kitchen Renovation Permit. To do that, we will need to clarify the type of permits that a kitchen renovation would require. A kitchen renovation will require a  kitchen  building permit, but,  the type of renovation may also require an Electrical or Plumbi...

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4 tips to remember for sunroom projects

August 19, 2016 / Permit Pointers

Permit Masters wants to help clients with their sunroom projects this summer. For some helpful tips, we consulted our in-house sunroom expert and project manager, Dennise. Dennise has been with Permit Masters for over 4 years and has numerous successful sunroom projects under her belt. Dennise is th...

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3 drawings you need to obtain a deck permit

May 6, 2016 / Permit Pointers

Requirements for a deck permit vary from city to city, but the majority of the  drawings needed for a deck permit are the same. Ultimately, the application forms and the drawings are there to demonstrate the compliance to the Zoning/Bylaw and the Building Code. Here are 3 requirements for a ...

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Obtaining a retroactive deck building permit

/ Permit Pointers

Without a doubt, deck construction is the number one DIY residential improvement project for homeowners.  Homeowners will build their deck with advice from the local hardware store or their (always very knowledgeable) brother-in-law. With this in mind, obtaining a deck building permit is not always...

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What is the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board

April 22, 2016 /

Established under the Municipal Government Act, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) is in charge of both reviewing and approving planning applications and giving the go-ahead for contentious development within a municipality. Being a special tribunal, the board hears development a...

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What is a development permit and a building permit

/ Permit Pointers

Let's just start by saying that a Development Permit is not the same as a building permit. Both permit processes have a very specific set a rules to meet. The Development Permit is reviewed against the rules of a Land Use Bylaw (zoning) and the Building Permit is reviewed against the rules of the Bu...

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How to obtain approval for a front Driveway

February 13, 2016 / CalgaryDesign PointersPermit Pointers

The latest decision from the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board I recently represented a client in front of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) of the City of Calgary. The appeal was launched against my client following an approval from the City of Calgary. The community ass...

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