Mechanical Permits

 

If you are planning any work on a mechanical system or changing the use of a building or property, you will require permits from the City. The Building Inspections Division is responsible for issuing Mechanical Permits for the installation of heating, ventilation, refrigeration, fire control, fuel, piping and plumbing systems.

When do you require a Mechanical Permit?

A Mechanical Permit is required for construction, extension, alteration, repair, renewal or relocation of any part of a mechanical system. Mechanical Permits are not required when a valve, faucet fixture or service water heater is repaired or replaced with similar equipment, when a blockage is cleared or a leak is repaired, or where no change to the piping is required.

Making Application

Application forms for a Mechanical Permit are available at City Hall from the Building Inspections Division. When applying for this permit, ensure that sufficient information is provided in order to show that the proposed work will conform to Yellowknife's by-laws, the National Building Code and National Plumbing Code. Plans are required to indicate the nature of the work in sufficient detail in order to determine that the completed work will conform to by-laws, the NBC and NPC. Additional guidelines are available for specific Mechanical Permit applications.

Preparing Plans

Preparing drawings requires solid knowledge of building codes, mechanical codes and regulations. If you are not familiar with these regulations, we recommend that you find someone with a background in this area who can help you prepare your plans. Proper plans help to ensure that your application is processed quickly and minimize problems during construction.

Processing the Application

A Building Inspector will review your Mechanical Permit Application. If the information submitted with your application is complete, your Permit will be issued promptly. If the plans do not comply or are incomplete, you will be asked to make appropriate changes to your application. Once your application is approved, you will be contacted to pay and pick up your permit. Your plan review sheet will list the inspections that will be required by the Inspections Division.

Processing Time

Processing time for Mechanical Permits can vary throughout the year. During the busy construction season (April to October) please allow up to three weeks for your Mechanical Permit approval. As soon as your permit is approved you will be contacted. An incomplete permit application or drawings with insufficient information will delay the process.

Fees

Mechanical Permit fees are based on the following:

Plumbing Installations:

• $30.32 + $7.28 per fixture

All other Mechanical Installations

• $30.32 + $6.67 per $1,000 of construction costs

Inspector's Role

Please remember that the Inspector's role is to review drawings and construction for conformance to applicable codes and regulations. The Inspector may answer questions directly pertaining to interpretation of the regulations but cannot be used as a consultant. It is the owner/contractor's responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to be knowledgeable with the applicable codes and by-laws.