National parks building permit

When do I need to get a building permit?

A Building Permit is required when a proposed development contains life-safety elements covered under the National Building Code – Alberta Edition.

Some common examples of projects that would require a building permit include: construction of a new home or commercial building; an event tent larger than 60 m²; addition or structural alteration of any building or structure with an area greater than 10 m²; construction of a deck or stairs greater than 0.6 m above grade; or construction of a retaining wall greater than 1.2 m above grade.

Who should I ask about building code questions or if my project has building code implications?

The Jasper Development Office relies on the services of accredited safety codes agencies for building code advice. The Alberta Safety Codes Council accredits these agencies to administer the Safety Codes Act. You may choose an approved safety codes inspection agency for Code Review (PDF, 244 KB) to answer safety code questions, conduct a code review, and to provide safety code inspections including: building, electrical, gas / plumbing inspections for your project.

What is the permitting process for a building permit?

Once your development permit is obtained, the Parks Canada building permit process may be a two or three permit process depending on your proposal:

1. Building Permit


2. Occupancy Permit (if required)
   Required for projects when the developed area cannot be safely occupied until the Building Permit requirements have been substantially completed and final safety code inspections received.


3. Certificate of Completion
   Once all outstanding Building Permit, and Development Permit, requirements have been fully satisfied, with no deficiencies, Parks Canada will issue a certificate of completion to close the project.

What are the requirements to obtain a building permit?

Once a Development Permit is issued, you must apply for a Parks Canada Building Permit. A complete Parks Canada Building Permit Submission Package requires the following documents:

1. Building Code Review
   Submit the Development Permit to an approved safety codes inspection agency for Code Review (PDF, 244 KB). The inspection agency will not conduct a building code review until a development permit is received. Depending on your project, the Safety Code Agency may require additional information such as construction drawings (see below). Upon receipt of the plans review report and stamped drawings, a copy must be forwarded to Parks Canada as part of the Building Permit Submission Package.


2. Jasper Fire Department Approved Fire Safety Plan (if required)
   For projects with a construction cost exceeding $5,000.00, a Fire Safety Plan is required by the National Building Code – Alberta Edition. For more information, and the Municipality of Jasper Fire Safety Plan form, please visit https://www.jasper-alberta.ca/p/fire-prevention. Once your Fire Safety Plan has been approved by the Jasper Fire Department, please forward the approved plan to Parks Canada as part of your Building Permit Submission Package.


3. Municipality of Jasper Requirements
   the Municipality of Jasper is responsible for services your project may require including, but not limited to: Jasper Fire Department (Fire Safety Plan as well as Fire Safety Inspections); Administration (Off-site Levies); Operations (connection / shut-off / removal of: Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste, Sidewalks); Bylaw (Road Closures and Construction Bin Placement). When the Development Permit is issued, Parks Canada copies the Municipality of Jasper (muniapprovals@town.jasper.ab.ca) who will review the project and forward your specific project requirements. A letter / email from the Municipality of Jasper confirming their approval must be submitted to Parks Canada as part of the Building Permit Submission Package.


4. Alberta Health Services Review (if required)
   A review by the Public Health Inspector is required if the development permit includes food services. You can access these services through the Alberta Health Services website. A letter / email from the Public Health Inspector confirming their approval must be submitted to Parks Canada as part of the Building Permit Submission Package.


5. Building and Demolition Permit Application
   Complete the Building and Demolition Permit Application (PDF, 168 KB) including the: Development Permit number, applicant name, contractor (if applicable), safety code agency, and construction costs.


6. Parks Canada Compliance Deposit
   A compliance deposit must be submitted equal to 15% of the construction value for the first $100,000 and 5% on the balance. The Compliance Deposit is held until project completion. If projects are not completed, Parks Canada may use the deposit to finish the project or remove the incomplete project and remediate the lands. The compliance deposit must be provided by a certified cheque or bank draft, made payable to the Receiver General for Canada. For more information on the compliance deposit submission process including etransfer options or the collection of deposit interest, you may contact jasperdevelopment@pc.gc.ca.


7. Building Permit Checklist
   Submit the completed checklist (PDF, 143 KB) to ensure all required information is provided in your submission package.

Is there a fee for a building permit?

Yes. A Building Permit fee is regulatory requirement which is calculated, and invoiced, by Parks Canada upon issuance of the building permit. The fee is invoiced directly to the building permit applicant. The fee is calculated at $7 per $1,000 of construction cost (as provided on the building permit application form) plus GST.

What construction plans are required for the safety code agency to conduct a building code review?

Depending on the scale and complexity of your project, the safety code agency may require a set of construction plans. Some examples of construction plans they may require include:

• A site plan at a metric scale of not less than 1:200, showing accurately all the required information approved in the development permit;
• A landscape plan at a metric scale not less than 1:200, showing accurately all the required information approved in the development permit;
• Architectural plans at a metric scale not less than 1:100, showing accurately all the required information approved in the development permit;
• Building sections, wall details and any other detail as required by the proposed construction;
• Structural plans;
• Mechanical plans; and
• Any other information relating to the development to explain construction, conformance to codes or that may be required by the Safety Code Agency.

What format of construction plans are required by the safety code agency?

The Safety Code Agency typically determines this; however, as a general guideline:

1. Small Projects (such as a deck or interior renovation) - a minimum of three (3) sets of construction drawings, in metric on paper not smaller 280 mm x 430 mm (11” x 17”). Schedules as required by the Building Code under which the project will be reviewed must also be submitted.


2. Large Projects (such as a new home or second storey addition) - a minimum of three (3) sets of construction drawings, in metric on paper not smaller than Arch D 609.6 mm x 914.4 mm (24” x 36”) and shall be accompanied by an Approved Inspection Agency safety code review.

Please ensure you check with the Safety Code Agency to ensure you meet their requirements.

Will my project require engineer or architect sealed plans?

The requirements for architect or engineer sealed plans, or building code schedules, are contained in the National Building Code – Alberta Edition and the Safety Codes Officer will make this determination. Architects or Engineers must be registered professionals in the Province of Alberta.

Are there any other building permit conditions I should be aware of so I can plan construction accordingly?

A few general permit conditions that may help plan your project include:

1. Construction safety measures and actions as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Board, the Workers Compensation Board and all other applicable Federal and Provincial statutes and regulations are the responsibility of the permit holder.


2. Construction activities and methods shall comply with the Canada National Parks Act, National Building Code of Canada, National Fire Code and any other federal or provincial statutes that may apply.


3. All operations and procedures shall be confined within the perimeter of the Site as approved by the Superintendent. The storage of construction equipment, material and waste must be contained and secured within the Site. The lessee is liable for all damage done to Crown, Municipal or private property during construction.


4. All contractors shall have a valid business licence. Work taking place in the Municipality of Jasper require a Municipality of Jasper business license. Please call 780-852-6500 for more information. Work within the National Park require a Parks Canada business license. Please call 780-852-6164 or email pc.jasper-realty.pc@canada.ca for more information.


5. There is a weight limit of 4550 kilograms gross vehicle weight on Highway 93. If work will take place along Highway 93 and overweight vehicles are required, please contact Parks Canada at pc.jasperdispatch-repartitionjasper.pc@canada.ca to obtain an Overweight Vehicle Permit.


6. Clean Fill Disposal - Please be advised that Parks Canada Agency operates a commercial clean fill disposal location for third party contractors operating in Jasper National Park. If you are interested in disposing clean fill at Marmot Pit, please review the Clean Fill Disposal at Marmot Pit requirements for details on the process.