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1. What is a Safety Code permit?

Residents of Alberta need their Safety Codes permits prior to commencing work on buildings to ensure compliance with the Safety Codes Act which has been crafted with specific standards to ensure overall public safety.

2. Why do I need a Safety Codes permit?

You require a safety codes permit to ensure that the work you are completing is meeting the requirements of the Safety Codes Act and other regulations. This will not only give you peace of mind, but may also be a requirement of you homeowners insurance. Safety Codes are about ensuring that any work that falls under the Safety Codes Act complies with the standards they establish. These standards are in place to keep the public safe.

3. What kind of Safety Codes permits do I need?

The types of permits you will require are based on the work you are completing and can include:
• Building
• Fire
• Electrical
• Gas (Natural and Propane)
• Plumbing
• Private Sewage
• Boilers and Pressure Vessels
• Elevators
• Amusement Rides
• Passenger Ropeways

4. What is the difference between a development permit and a building permit?

A development permit is needed when you are planning to construct an improvement or structure on your property. A development permit ensures land use and/or location of the structure on the property is appropriate. Examples include a new house, an addition on to an existing house, a shed, garage, or any other structure. The County offers this service as defined in the Land Use Bylaw. Upon issuance of a development permit, building permits must be acquired for the structure and the various utilities that may be installed in a building or structure, such as plumbing, gas or electrical. Superior Safety Codes is the agency within the County that processes these permits. Basically, a development permit ensures the proposed development meets the County’s requirements as set out in the Land Use Bylaw. A safety codes permit ensures the work complies with the Safety Codes Act.

5. How long will the development/safety codes permitting process take?

The time to issue a permit often depends on the complexity and completeness of the permit. Simple plumbing, gas, electrical and private sewage permits can be issued within a day. Building permits and more complicated work typically are processed within 2 weeks of being received, but can take longer. Once issued, inspections will then be completed during different phases of the construction as outlined on permit. Once all the required inspections are complete and the inspector is satisfied you have complied with the requirement of permit, the permit process is complete.

6. What happens if my development/safety codes permit is refused?

If a development permit is refused, the owner of the property or the applicant of the development permit can appeal the decision within 14 calendar days from the date the applicant was notified of the decision to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB).
If a safety codes permit is refused, suspended or cancelled by the Safety Codes Officer that
decision can be appealed to the Safety Codes Council.

7. What is the appeal process for a Development or Safety Codes Permit?

The appeal process for a development permit being refused requires it to be heard by the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). The Board is independent from the Development and Subdivision Authority. The SDAB makes decisions in an impartial manner and applies the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness, which includes but is not limited to: the right to a public hearing; a duty to be fair; the right for all affected parties to be heard; the right to an adjournment if the SDAB determines it is merited; and the right to legal counsel. A letter of appeal along with the fee can be submitted to the CAO of the County of Wetaskiwin. The Safety Codes Council provides a fair and transparent appeals process of orders, refusals, suspensions and cancellations, in accordance with the Safety Codes Act. The Appeals process is a formal hearing process that allows a person or corporation named in an order, refusal, suspension, or cancellation, to file a notice of appeal with the Coordinator of Appeals within 35 days of service of an order or within 30 days of service of a refusal, suspension, or cancellation notice. To be considered, your notice of appeal must be submitted with the appropriate appeal fee and within the applicable time frame. Your appeal to the Safety Codes Council must be in writing and signed. The following link includes details on appeal fees, timelines to appeal and items that cannot be appealed: Appeal Process

8. What if I want to choose my own Safety Codes Agency for safety codes permits?

Council has approved the contract between the County and Superior Safety Codes. The Provincial Safety Codes Council has authorized the County as an accredited agency who has the authority to enter into contracts with an accredited agency to provide services. As such, all safety codes permits (electrical, building, gas and plumbing) must be obtained from Superior Safety Codes.

9. What process is in place to ensure agency permit costs are controlled?

Council establishes the fees for permits, and any changes to fees will be held in a public forum. The agency is paid a percentage of the permit fee which is established at the contract approval stage.

10. What is accreditation? And why does it matter?

When a municipality becomes accredited through the Safety Codes Council, it allows municipalities to ensure all permits and inspections are completed in accordance with the Safety Codes Act. By becoming accredited the County is giving residents a “one stop shop” option for building permits. Becoming an accredited municipality will allow the County of Wetaskiwin to provide a more streamlined service to residents by providing both development and safety code permits at the County office. This also provides residents extra assurance that the necessary permitting is in place and properly reviewed by a qualified inspector. The safety codes program is also audited internally and by the Safety Codes Council to make sure all the requirements have been met. Accreditation

11. What is the Safety Codes Council?

The Safety Codes Council is a corporation established under the Safety Codes Act that reviews safety codes and standards in the province of Alberta. The Council assists the Government of Alberta department of Municipal Affairs in administering the Safety Codes Act. The Safety Codes Council is responsible for all aspects of the safety system, including accrediting the municipalities, corporations and agencies that sell permits and inspect the work carried out under these permits; certifying and training Safety Codes Officers who do the inspections; administering the Alberta Master Electrician Program, developing, enhancing and supporting Information Technology safety system applications. Please refer to this link for more information on the mandate of the Safety Codes Council: Safety Codes Council

12. What is the Safety Codes Act?

The Safety Codes Act established a unifying administration to ten safety disciplines which each have their own safety codes to keep the public safe in the places they live, work and play.