Basements
A building permit is required!
What do you need?
1. A completed Building Permit Application Form and Fee. Please allow 10 working days for processing permits. Download the Application form. Download the Fee Schedule
2. Two sets of floor plans on a scale of not less than 1:100 or legibly drawn showing the following:
• Proposed and existing room(s) layout
• Dimensions of all rooms
• Use of each room (bedroom, bathroom, etc.)
• Location of all walls, partitions, doorways, windows and other openings
• Window sizes, door sizes, location of smoke alarms
• Finish of all floors, walls and ceilings
• Details of any structural changes proposed
See example on back page.
3. Electrical, plumbing, and gas work may only be performed by the homeowner (if the homeowner resides in the home) and a Homeowner’s Declaration is provided; otherwise, work must be carried out by certified licensed contractors.
Inspections are required when the framing stage is complete, prior to concealing work. Call 948-8833.
Room heights
Minimum heights for the following rooms are:
• Bedroom/Family Room 7’ 5” (2.3m)
• Laundry/Bathroom 6’ 11” (2.1m)
Bedroom Windows
Bedroom windows must open for ventilation, natural light and emergency exiting.
• Each bedroom must have at least one window with an “opening” of at least 3.8 sq.ft. (0.35 m2 ). The opening cannot have any dimension less than 15” (380mm). In addition the minimum unobstructed glass area of windows must be at least 5% of the area severed.
• A minimum 22” (550mm) clearance in front of windows opening into a window well.
• Window must open from the inside without the use of tools or special knowledge. This includes opening of security bars.
• No window requirements are necessary if the basement has a sprinkler system installed or the bedroom doors open directly to the outdoors.
Slider Type Window
Dimensions A and B cannot be less that 15” (380 mm)
A x B cannot be less than 3.8 sq. ft. (0.35 sq. m)
Furnance/boiler rooms
• When any part the basement is developed, the furnace/boiler room must be enclosed and provided with a minimum 32” x 78” door.
• Prior to submitting the application, check the rating plate on appliances (hot water tank, furnace and boiler) for the minimum clearance requirements (boilers clearances 1.2 m (48”)). Typical clearances for a furnace are 2 feet (600 mm) from the front and 6” (150 mm) from the sides and back. Gas water tank clearances are typically 2” (50 mm).
• 6” (150mm) of clearances is required around the chimney vent connectors (1 “ double wall vents).
• Furnaces require a disconnect switch which can be either the breaker or another switch. When the doorway is made, the switch must be located between the entryway and the furnace (switch may need to be relocated).
Heat and ventilation
• A warm air vent must be provided in each finished room. Warm air vents must be located so at least one exterior wall or window is bathed by warm air. This does not include bathrooms, utility rooms or kitchens, where this may not be practical.
• Warm air vents in finished areas must have heat registers with adjustable openings and cannot be located on a furnace plenum.
• The return air system must be designed to handle the entire air supply of the house.
• Do not locate return air openings within 10 ft (3m) (horizontally) from the furnace and not in an enclosed furnace room, bathroom or laundry room.
Bathrooms
• The bathroom must have a fan which is vented to the exterior to remove odors and condensation and the switch must be located inside the room and separate from the light switch.
• All shower valves must be pressure-balanced or thermo static-mixing valves.
• Low flow water closets are required as per City Bylaw.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
• Alarms must have a certification label and be 120V (not battery powered).
• Alarms must be wired to a general circuit for lights and plugs with no switches between the breaker and the
smoke alarm.
• Alarms must be located within 16’ 5” (5 m) of a bedroom. Smoke alarms are required to be installed on or near the ceiling.
Beams and floor joists
• Do not drill or notch beams unless allowed by the manufacturer (see specifications for product).
Plumbing
• All clean outs require access cover. Wall and floor access covers must be accessible.
• Hose Bibb shut off requires access covers.
Electrical
• The electrical panel requires 3 ft 3 in (1m) of clearance in front at all times and cannot be inside a clothes closet or bathroom.
• One circuit may have a maximum of 12 outlets (combination of lights and receptacles).
• Boxes installed on an insulated outside wall must have a vapour barrier hat installed around the box before it is nailed to the stud.
• All junction boxes must remain accessible (do not cover a box with drywall or build it into an inaccessible location).
• Three way switches are required to control the basement stairway lighting from top and bottom landings.
• All communications cables must have FT1 or FT4 ratings (for flame-spread) imprinted on the cable. These cables must be separated from power cables by 2” (50mm) throughout (drill separate holes through the studs as well as install separate boxes).
• Bathroom switches must be out of reach of the shower or tub unless protected by a GFCI.
• Branch circuits that supply receptacles installed in bedrooms shall be protected by an arc-fault circuit interruptor.
• All receptacles 1.5 m from any sink require GFCI protection unless they are located behind an appliance. e.g. a bar fridge.
An excellent reference book is available titled “Electrical Code Simplified” by P.S. Knight and is available at book stores and many home improvement stores.
Suites
Unless your Land Use Zoning is R-2, R-3 or R-4 and the building has been constructed to conform as a multiple dwelling, your dwelling must be occupied as a single tenancy. Rental suites locked from the remainder of the house in an R-1 zone are illegal.
Floor Plan Example Drawing
The Floor Plan Example is for
reference only and should not be copied for Building Permit Applications.
Please Call for Information
Building Permit Inquiries: 948-8832
Inspection Requests: 948-8833
Safety Codes Officers:
Building: 948-8832
Electrical: 948-8854
Gas and Plumbing: 948-8847
Chief Safety Codes Officer: 948-8843
Fax: (403) 948-8834
Email: building.inspections@airdrie.ca
Office Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Payment may be cash, personal cheque, visa, mastercard or interac.