This will depend on the arrangement with your builder. We recommend that your builder apply for the Development and Building Permits and the specific trades apply for the Plumbing, Private Sewage Disposal, Gas and Electrical permits.

If you act as your own general contractor then you would apply for the Development and Building Permits. If you are the homeowner and this home is or will be your primary residence, you can do the work yourself and will be able to apply for Plumbing, Private Sewage Disposal, Gas and Electrical Permits as a homeowner.

Some projects, depending on the scope, may not be able to be done by a homeowner such as wiring over 100 AMP, homes that share common walls (duplex, townhouse). Please contact Planning and Development Services for more specific information.

There are 2 steps to request and confirm your inspection booking: 

1.) Request an inspection by contacting Building Services at 780-464-8080 or online through ePermits; 

2.) Confirm your inspection booking, either online directly through your ePermits account, or by calling Building Services at 780-464-8080. 

Please note that it is the responsibility of the requester or ePermits user to confirm your inspection booking.

We strive to offer next day inspections for requests submitted by 3:00 p.m. Requests received after 3:00 p.m. will be scheduled for a date within the following two business days. All inspection requests are time stamped.

The day of your confirmed inspection booking:

Inspectors will be on site between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the inspection date. A specific time for the inspection cannot be requested. If you have concerns related to the timeframe of your scheduled inspection, you can contact the inspectors directly between 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. on the date of inspection at 780-464-8080.

It is the responsibility of the requester to ensure that a representative is onsite when the inspector arrives. A re-inspection fee may apply, if you need to schedule a follow up inspection.

There is no additional inspection fee when you apply for a permit.

However, if it is necessary to reschedule a missed inspection booking, a rescheduling fee may apply. For more information review the related FAQ on how to book an inspection.

You can check our Land Use Bylaw mapbooks to confirm what the zoning is for your property.

For further information regarding zoning contact Planning and Development Services.

A Compliance Certificate or Statement Respecting Compliance is confirmation from Strathcona County on whether or not development on a property meets with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw. 

A Compliance Certificate is usually a condition placed on the seller by either the purchaser or their lending institution in order to protect their clients' investments. Learn more about selling your home and obtaining a Compliance Certificate.

Strathcona County has a 2 stage lot grading process. The rough grade stage is the first step, and it is generally the responsibility of the builder/contractor. The final grade stage is the second step, and it is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Learn more about lot grading in residential areas.

Visit our site grading page to learn more.

A Road Use Agreement may be required for your project, please contact Transportation Engineering and Operations at 780-417-7100.

For a new principal building a detailed site plan prepared by an accredited Alberta Land Surveyor is required.

No, Strathcona County does not restrict the minimum size of a house, provided that it meets residential building code. However, the developer may have a restriction on house sizes and this would be contained in a caveat or restrictive covenant registered against the property.

The County does have restrictions as to the maximum size of dwellings within the urban areas (Sherwood Park and hamlets).

Property taxes vary depending on the value of the property and the house. The Property Tax Calculator is a tool that helps estimate what the property taxes would be for a given property. 

For more specific information on property taxes, please contact Strathcona County Assessment and Tax at 780-464-8196.

Yes, permits are required to operate a home business. Learn more about obtaining permits for a home business.

No, a permit is not required for a private sale sign (referred to as a Type A sign within the Land Use Bylaw), provided the sign follows the regulations outlined in the Land Use Bylaw. Learn more about garage sale signs and temporary signs on public property.

Strathcona County has several statutory documents that outline development policies for the County and for specific neighbourhoods.

We encourage you to review these documents and ask questions about permitted development before you build. These documents include the Municipal Development Plan, which is a long range plan for the entire County, Area Structure Plans and/or Area Concept Plans, which are specific neighbourhood or area plans.