ASCA Permits

ASCA has a fee schedule that applies equally to all unaccredited areas of the province under ASCA’s jurisdiction. View the latest Permit Fee Schedule.

If you still have questions, please call the agency servicing your permit, or call ASCA
• 780.413.0099 or toll free at 1.888.413.0099, or
• Email: askasca@safetycodes.ab.ca

If you have hired contractors to do the work, it will be more beneficial for you to have the contractors obtain the safety codes permits.

If you are building or doing work on your own home (includes farm), you as the homeowner may obtain the permits.

If the work is to buildings or things where you do not reside, then the permits will need to be obtained by your contractor.

If the permit is for an annual operating permit for flammable liquids or combustible liquids, then the business owner needs to apply/renew.

• Use the appropriate checklist below to ensure you have everything:
• Building checklist
• Electrical guidelines
• Plumbing guidelines
• Gas guidelines
• Private sewage checklist
• Storage Tank System checklist (installation/alteration/removal)
• Storage Tank System operating permit information

Find your permit issuing organization from the where to get a permit list. Select the appropriate organization to find a permit application. Fill out the permit application form and submit along with your supporting documentation.

If you have questions, call:
• the organization listed, or
• ASCA at 780.413.0099 or toll free at 1.888.413.0099, or
• Email: askasca@safetycodes.ab.ca or ascatanks@safetycodes.ab.ca for flammable & combustible liquids storage tank systems

Drawings may or may not be required dependant upon the nature and complexity of the undertaking. To assist with understanding what will be required with each safety codes permit application, please reference our permit application checklists:

• Building checklist
• Electrical guidelines
Electrical drawings are also required when the electrical service is at or more than 600amp or 600v; all alternative energy generation; and fire alarm/complexity/special use (as related to building code)
• Plumbing guidelines
• Gas guidelines
• Private sewage checklist
• Storage Tank System checklist (installation/alteration/removal)
• Storage Tank System operating permit information

Note that a safety codes officer may require drawings/specifications; typically for undertakings that are complex or special work.

A complete application (all required supporting documentation is included with the application) that is found to be compliant with safety codes requirements should result in a permit issued within:
  
• 2 business days for electrical, gas, and plumbing
• 2 business days from completion of the plans review for building and private sewage
• 1 business day or more for flammable & combustible liquids storage tank systems, depending on size and complexity of the work

Yes, please contact your safety codes permit issuer.
  
There is no fee for a first extension, but there will be a fee for each additional extension. Please refer to ASCA’s permit fee structure for more information.
  
The request must be received in writing and before the permit expires. Please note how long of an extension is required and the reason for the extension.

The information to be included with your building permit application will differ depending on the type of work being proposed.

The building permit application will need to have enough information to determine:
• What is being built and how it is to be built (construction drawings and specs, energy calculations, construction fire safety plan).
• Where it is to be built (site plan).
• Other related legislated compliance (development permit, new home warranty, builder license).

The following documents are required for most projects:
• Permit application,
• A site plan,
• Construction drawings with floor plan, elevations, foundation, and cross section,
• Energy code calculations,
• Construction fire safety plan,
• A copy of the development permit,
• A copy of the builder license,
• Proof of new home warranty coverage (for dwellings built after February 1, 2014), and
• Other documents, depending on the scope of the project.

If your project has any of the following, ensure detailed information is provided:
• Tall Wall,
• Roof system,
• Floor joist system,
• Hydronic heating system,
• Building systems such as mechanical or electrical,
• Specification detail such as fire protection, detection and suppression,
• Solid fuel appliance details, solar panel details for roof mounted systems,
• Signed professional seal or stamped documents for professional engagement, and
• Demolition details, may include asbestos abatement, utilities and disposal.

The permit application checklists/guides are at:
• Building checklist
• Electrical guidelines
• Plumbing guidelines
• Gas guidelines
• Private sewage checklist
• Storage Tank System checklist (installation/alteration/removal)
• Storage Tank System operating permit information

If you need help, contact the issuing agency you wish to use for building, electrical, gas, plumbing and private sewage systems. For flammable & combustible liquids storage tank systems, contact ASCA at 780.413.0099 or toll free at 1.888.413.0099, or ascatanks@safetycodes.ab.ca

A Development Permit is for the development and use of the land. It is permission issued by a municipality under the municipality’s land use bylaw as it relates to land use, zoning, aesthetic features, setbacks, height, and other land development requirements.
  
A Building Permit is for the construction, renovation, moving, demolition, or change in use of a building. It is permission issued by an accredited organization or the Alberta Safety Codes Authority (ASCA) in non-accredited areas, in respect to life, health, and safety requirements under provincial safety codes legislation.
  
To find out where you can obtain safety codes permits within your municipality please use the Safety Codes Council’s Where can I get a permit tool.

Electrical drawings (and specifications) are required with the electrical permit application for:
• Electrical services of 600 amps or 600 volts, or greater.
• For all alternative energy generation (ie: solar PV installations, wind turbines, etc.).
• As per the building code (i.e. fire alarm, complexity, special use / occupancy, etc.).
• At the discretion of the safety codes office (i.e. complex or special work, hazardous location, etc.).
  
If you have questions, please call the agency servicing your permit, or call ASCA:
• 780.413.0099 or toll free at 1.888.413.0099, or
• Email: askasca@safetycodes.ab.ca

See the Safety Tips brochure “Private Sewage Treatment Systems, Separation Distances”. The brochure covers the various types of systems and distances that must be maintained.

Yes, a private sewage permit is required to install or alter components/system.
  
A permit is not required:
• To operate or maintain a system.
• To replace equipment with units of similar type if the replacement is for the purpose of maintenance and does not modify the design.
• For a privy that is not connected to a holding tank.

Please click on the following link to apply for your annual operating permit.
  
If you need help, contact ASCA at 780.413.0099 or toll free at 1.888.413.0099, or ascatanks@safetycodes.ab.ca

It means that with the Petroleum Tank Management Association of Alberta (PTMAA) and its registration program are no longer in existence.
  
Those municipalities authorized (accredited) to administer this part of the fire code (pertaining to flammable & combustible liquids storage tanks) are responsible for the program within their municipality. This includes the new inventory control program that replaced the former registration.
  
You can check for your municipality on our Where to get a Permit page..
  
You can review the STANDATA (fire code amendment) that explains the registration and inventory control changes on the Alberta Municipal Affairs website. (STANDATA 19-FCI-015 Storage Tank System Inspections and Inventory Control)

Yes, all tanks that are greater than 230 L require a permit to be installed in accordance with the National Fire Code – 2019 Alberta Edition.
  
You can learn more about this here.

Often, other permits such as Development Permit, Electrical Permit, and in some cases a Building Permit will be required depending on the size, location, and features your system.
  
See the ‘General’ sections above for other permit information.

Yes, ASCA has its own safety codes officers that provide consultative advice/guidance, plans reviews, issue permits, and conduct inspections.
  
If you are interested in what safety codes officers do, find more information here.

For permits related to Storage Tank Systems – Fire Code in your municipality check our Where to get a Permit page.

Note: Development Permits are usually required prior to any development occurring and can be obtained from your municipality.