Edmonton requires permits for secondary suites. The City describes a secondary suite as a separate dwelling within a qualifying house, with its own living, cooking, sleeping, and bathroom facilities and a separate entrance. A suite cannot be subdivided from its principal dwelling. Confirm the property’s zoning, housing type, and permit class with Edmonton before relying on a fee or processing example.
Identify the permit combination
Depending on the project, an application may involve development, building, and trade permits. The City’s page lists development-permit fees for typical applications, while its building fee depends on construction value. Gas, plumbing, heating, cooling, or ventilation work can require additional trade permits. Electrical fees are listed in a separate City fee schedule. A homeowner may apply for homeowner trade permits only when meeting the City’s residence and project conditions; otherwise a certified trade contractor must apply. Semi-detached and row-house work also has contractor requirements.
Edmonton’s 2026 fee page lists a $415 development-permit example and these building-permit totals by construction value:
| Construction value | Building and safety-code fees |
|---|---|
| $0–$10,000 | $124.80 |
| $10,001–$50,000 | $400.40 |
| $50,001–$100,000 | $1,123.20 |
| Over $100,000 | $2,184 |
The City also lists $124.80 examples for each gas, plumbing, or HVAC permit. Every secondary-suite application is subject to a separate Sanitary Sewer Trunk Charge. These are fee-schedule examples, not an all-in project quote; permit type, construction value, trade work, and current schedules control.
Read the processing measure by its project class
For regular projects that include secondary basement suites, Edmonton’s report sets a 40-calendar-day target and measures from a complete application with fees paid to a decision. A City page view checked on October 24, 2026, reported 75% within target and a 43-day average for April–June 2026. The City’s July–September 2026 table reports 73% and 36 days. The figures describe different quarters, not conflicting actuals for one period. The live page could not be retrieved on October 24, so confirm the current values with Edmonton. These service measures are not a guarantee for one application or the full sequence of approvals, inspections, and construction.
Ask Edmonton which permits apply, how it classifies the construction value, whether the application is complete, and which current fees or separate charges remain. For the documents to prepare, see plans, inspections, and completion documents and the general guide to approval timelines.