Secondary, garage and garden suites can be a desirable residential development for both property owners and tenants. This page is intended as a general guide to help homeowners become aware of the requirements necessary when planning a suite within the Town of Westlock.
 | Call us: 780-349-4444 |
 | Email us: planning@westlock.ca |
 | In-Person: 10003-106 Street, Westlock, AB |
What permits do I need?
A Development and Building Permit are always required for any proposed suite.
Safety Codes Permits are also required for any plumbing, electrical and gas work needed in the construction of the suite. Permits cannot be applied for by homeowners for electrical work on secondary suites. To ensure the safety of the suite, permits are only issued to a Master Electrician.
To apply for permits, see below: How to apply.
Risks when a permit is not obtained
If you, as a homeowner or contractor, do not have permits for work that has been started or completed, there could be consequences if you do not take action to correct the situation, such as:
- Enforcement action issued by a City Safety Codes Officer or Bylaw Officer.
- A fine for building without a permit.
- Having to undo work that has been completed.
- Future legal and financial issues when selling your property or making an insurance claim.
- Having to do more work than was originally planned and budgeted, to fix deficiencies.
- Potential liability to you, the homeowner, in the event of an accident.
NOTE: As a homeowner, you are responsible for paying any penalties, even if you hired a contractor who assured you that permits were not required. For more info, visit Hiring a Contractor.
Development Permit vs. Building Permit
A Development Permit covers the what and where a development may proceed. It approves what type of development is allowed on a particular property, taking into account land use and setback issues of the Town’s Land Use Bylaw.
A Building Permit covers how it is built. It allows the construction/demolition of structures contingent on meeting the requirements of the Alberta Building Code.
Know the rules
Allowable land use districts within the Town
According to the Town’s Land Use Bylaw, suites are typically considered a Permitted use. In districts where they are a Discretionary Use, this means each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by Planning & Development Services and are subject to adjacent landowner notification & appeal. The land use districts (zones) for which suites will be considered are:
- Low-Density Residential District (Permitted Uses)
- Medium Density Residential District (Discretionary Use – accessory to single-family dwellings only)
- Estate Residential District (Permitted Uses)
- Manufactured Home Subdivision Residential District (Permitted Uses - garage and garden suites only)
For more information on the application process for a secondary suite for your particular property, please contact Planning and Development Services at 780-349-4444 or planning@westlock.ca.
General requirements
- A maximum of one suite is allowed on a lot.
- One on-site parking stall (in addition to the required parking for the principal dwelling) is required for every suite.
- A secondary suite must not be subject to separation from the Single Detached House through a condominium conversion or subdivision.
- It must contain its own living, cooking, sleeping and bathroom facilities.
Requirements for a secondary suite within a dwelling
- It must have an entrance to the exterior that is separate from the entrance for the principal dwelling, or it may share an entrance to a common interior landing with the principal dwelling.
- It must have its own separate (independent) heating and ventilation system which complies with the Alberta Building Code.
- The secondary suite and the primary dwelling must have electrically hardwired smoke alarms in each bedroom and all common areas, which must be interconnected.
- A secondary suite must not be subject to separation from the Single Detached House through a condominium conversion or subdivision.
Requirements for a Garage Suite
- It must be located in a rear or side yard, with minimum side and rear yard setback of 1.5m (4.9ft)
- It must be no more than 7.5m (24.6 ft) tall or no taller than the principal dwelling , whichever is less
- It must not be any larger in square footage than the principal dwelling.
- The exterior finishing must complement that of the principal dwelling and it must be designed to ensure the privacy of the suite, the principal dwelling and adjacent properties.
Requirements for a Garden Suite
- It must be located in a rear or side yard, with minimum side and rear yard setback of 1.5m (4.9ft)
- It must be no more than 4.6m (15.1 ft) tall
- It must have a floor area less than that of the principal dwelling.
- The exterior finishing must complement that of the principal dwelling and it must be designed to ensure the privacy of the suite, the principal dwelling and adjacent properties.
Building code requirements
For more detail about construction regulations and what you need when applying for your Building Permit, contact Superior Safety Codes at 780-489-4777.
How to apply
Submit an application for each permit, along with other relevant documents, to Planning & Development Services (contact info below).
1 - Determine which applications you need.
(See What permits do I need, above). You can then download checklists and forms (below) and complete them.
NOTE: Development and Building Permits must be applied for and approved prior to safety codes permit applications. We recommend applying for Development and Building Permits concurrently.
Development Permits & Checklists
Residential Development Permit Application Package
Building Permits & Checklists
Building Permit Application Package
Safety Codes Permits
Plumbing Permit Application
2 - Have drawings ready:
- Floor Plan – show dimensions/uses of rooms inside the suite, locations of windows & doors, locating of smoke alarms
- Site Plan – show available number and dimensions of parking available on-site; dimensioned with distances to property lines and other buildings labelled
- Drawings – Elevation drawings with overall height labelled (if applicable – garage and garden suites only)
3 – Apply with all the required documentation.
Application methods:
In-Person or by Mail to:
Planning & Development Services
Town of Westlock
10003-106 Street
Westlock, AB T7P 2K3
Email to: planning@westlock.ca
Payment methods:
After your application is received and processed, you will be notified by email or phone of the application fee(s). See our Fee Schedule for our current permit fees.
- Credit card (Visa or MasterCard)
- E-transfer to finance@westlock.ca (please include "Permit" in the Notes field)
In-person:
- Debit
- Cash
- Cheque
- Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard or Amex)
Mail payment:
- Cheque
What if I am not the property owner?
If you are not the owner of the property, then you must get the owner's consent to apply for any permits. The Town accepts the following forms of owner authorization:
- Signature on Development Permit application
- Letter of consent from Property Owner
How long will it take to obtain my permits?
Timelines vary based on the type of application as well as our current application volumes. Give yourself as much time as possible to complete the permit process prior to your preferred construction start date in case of any complications or revisions required.
Getting inspections
Inspections for all building and safety codes permits are performed by the Town’s Safety Codes contractor, Superior Safety Codes.
Inspections can be booked by phoning Superior Safety Codes at 780-489-4777.
When phoning please have your permit number handy.