If you’ve never applied for a building permit before, you probably don’t have a clue how the process works. It can sometimes be a confusing process with multiple forms and bylaw requirements that are enough to make your head spin. The bottom line is that most homeowners don’t really care how the hotdogs are made…they just want a hotdog.
Here’s How the Permit Process Works
At garagepermits.ca our goal is to make it easier for you to build your garage. To put it bluntly, we know all the boring stuff so that you don’t have to! Understanding what to expect during the process is important, however, because it enables you to schedule your garage build accordingly.
Step One – Planning
Consider the wants and needs that you’d like to incorporate into your garage design. Think about where the garage should be located on your property, and make note of any known limitations such as neighbouring garages, utility right of ways, or electrical poles.
Step Two – The RPR
Locate your Real Property Report (RPR) that is most likely hanging out with your mortgage documents. This legal survey captures the exact dimensions of your property and everything on it and will be used to aid in the creation of your drawings. In some cases, a plot plan can also be used.
Step Three – Place Your Order
With a digital copy of your Real Property Report at the ready, complete the order form and attach your RPR before you submit. Everything will be sent to us (except your credit card information, of course – see our privacy policy here) and we’ll contact you to confirm a few details.
Step Four – Design Phase
After contacting you, we’ll compile the information you’ve provided and begin the design process. We’ll draft all of the required drawings and include information as it pertains to the Alberta Building Code and municipal requirements.
Step Five – Revisions
Once we complete your drawings, we’ll send them to you for review. This gives you a chance to ask any questions about your design, or let us know of any changes that you want us to make. Revisions are included in our service at no additional cost, and we won’t stop until you’re happy.
Step Six – Final Drawings
After you’ve signed off on the draft, we’ll finalize any missing details and provide you with a single PDF file that contains your blueprints. These will be designed for 11×17 paper size, so if you want to print a copy for your records be sure to use that size to maintain the drawing scale.
Step Seven – The Application
Once you have your drawing package, you’re ready to apply for your building permit. Depending on your municipality, you may be able to apply online or in person. We’ll help you out with those details when we send you the final drawings. The City of Calgary accepts online applications and their website is easy to use.
Step Eight – The Approval
Your municipal planning and development office will review your application and inspect the drawings to ensure accuracy and compliance with the Alberta Building Code as well as their land use bylaws. We won’t provide you with drawings unless we know that you’ll be approved, so once the city completes their review, your permit will be issued!
Order Your Approval-Ready Drawings Today
Now that you understand the permit application process, you should have all of the information needed to proceed stress-free. Your municipality will share specific information with you regarding timelines, inspections, and other guidelines for completing and closing out the permit at the end of construction. That’s it! You can order your blueprint package today knowing that garagepermits.ca will handle the complicated stuff and leave you free to dream about your perfect new garage.