Building an Addition

A Development Permit and a Building Permit are required for the construction of additions to buildings. A Mechanical Permit will also be required if mechanical systems are being installed in the addition. This guide is provided in order to assist you in submitting the information required for your Building Permit application.

When applying for your Development and Building Permits, please bring three copies of your drawings. The drawings shown here are examples and do not necessarily show all the details that may be required for your application.

SiteSize of lot; Size and location of proposed addition and existing buildings; Distance from proposed addition to property lines; Locations of entrances for the proposed building; Municipal address and legal description
ElevationExterior finishes, Finished grading
PlanDimensions, Floor plan, Doors and windows - size and location
Cross-section/DetailDetails of foundation, floor, wall and roof construction

Note on Foundations

Because of Yellowknife's geographical location, depth of ground frost penetration is indeterminate, and permafrost is present in some locations. Therefore, foundations other than concrete pinned directly to bedrock are required to be designed and inspected by an engineer. If you are planning a foundation other than concrete pinned to bedrock, an engineer's foundation design will be required to be submitted with your application.

Mobile Homes

Floor systems for mobile homes are cantilevered and are not designed to carry additional loading. Additions attached to mobile homes are required to be supported independently in a manner that will not affect the structural integrity of the existing building.