Interior renovation

Interior renovation projects are some of the most common development requests and include such projects as: addition of a bathroom, bedroom, fireplace, skylight; adding or enlarging a window; adding or enlarging an exterior entrance; or the addition / removal of interior walls. In a residential home, the change of use of a room to a bedroom, that was not previously identified as a bedroom on an earlier permit, will require new development and building permits.

Renovations such as replacing kitchen cupboards / countertops, replacing flooring, replacing a door or window of the same size, or interior painting are considered routine maintenance and repair and do not require a development permit.

Although many secondary suite developments may be considered an interior renovation, they do have additional requirements which can be found on the Secondary Suite webpage.

What permits do I need for an interior development?

Interior renovations can require up to three Parks Canada permits. Firstly, a Development Permit, which ensures conformance with the requirements listed in the Architectural Motif Guidelines for the Town of Jasper (PDF, 2.93 MB) and the Town of Jasper Land Use Policy. Secondly, a Building Permit, or a Building / Demolition permit, (if required) ensures conformance to the National Park Building Regulations and National Building Code – Alberta Edition. Thirdly, after the construction is complete, and the final safety codes inspections are complete, you can then obtain an Occupancy Permit / Certificate of Completion to close out the project.

Where can I find the specific development requirements for an interior renovation?

The information on this webpage is intended to be a summary of the requirements for an interior renovation project. The full general and specific requirements can be found in the Town of Jasper Land Use Policy. 

Are there specific requirements for adding a wood / pellet fireplace?

Yes, there are specific measurements required on the floor plan as well as a requirement for a chimney elevation plan when installing a solid fuel fireplace. The floor plan must demonstrate the location of proposed fireplace as well as the clearances from the fireplace to adjacent walls ensuring they adhere to the manufacture’s specifications (these specifications are to accompany your development permit application submission package). An elevation plan demonstrating the proposed location of the chimney with respect to the roof and the chimney height is required. Metal flues and chimneys on the building exterior must be within boxed-in enclosures and finished with stucco, brick, stone, or wood.

What do I need to submit for a development permit for an interior renovation?

1. Development Permit Application - There is no fee for a development permit application. To apply for a development permit, please sign and submit the Development Permit Application (in the Jasper Townsite) (PDF, 179 KB). This will provide the development office with basic contact information and the anticipated cost of the project to ensure the proper authority approves the permit.
2. Interior Renovation Checklist - The Interior Renovation Checklist (PDF, 169 KB) is for you to ensure you are submitting everything that is required for a complete development permit submission package for an Interior Renovation. Include a short narrative to describe your proposed project which may include photos if you think it will help explain what currently exists onsite or what is being proposed.
3. Architectural plans (in metric and drawn to a scale of not less than 1:100) demonstrating:
• Dimensioned floor plans of existing (in accordance with previous permits) and the proposed renovations.
• Elevation plans for any renovations that involve the building’s exterior including: adding or enlarging a window; adding or enlarging an exterior entrance; or a chimney installation.

The above required submissions, or any questions regarding the above, may be submitted to the Jasper Development Office at: jasperdevelopment@pc.gc.ca

When do I need to obtain the building permit?

Once a Development Permit has been issued, you can begin the process of applying for a building permit as detailed on the Parks Canada Building Permit webpage.