Can I pour a concrete slab for a shed in my backyard in Springbank Hill without a permit if it's under 108 sq ft?

No, you cannot pour a concrete slab for a shed in Springbank Hill without checking permit requirements first. Springbank Hill is located in Rocky View County, which has its own building regulations that may differ from City of Calgary rules.

Rocky View County Requirements

Rocky View County administers building permits for Springbank Hill and surrounding areas. While many municipalities have exemptions for small sheds under 108 sq ft (10 sq m), concrete slabs often have separate permit requirements regardless of the structure size. The county may require permits for:

• Concrete slabs over a certain thickness or area
• Any permanent foundation work
• Structures that could affect drainage or lot grading
• Sheds over certain dimensions, even if under 108 sq ft

The 108 sq ft threshold you're referencing is common in many Alberta municipalities, but it typically applies to the structure itself, not necessarily the foundation. A concrete slab is considered a permanent foundation and may trigger permit requirements even for exempt structures.

Alberta Building Code and Safety Considerations

Under the Alberta Building Code, any concrete work must meet specific requirements for frost protection, reinforcement, and drainage. In the Calgary area, footings and slabs must extend below the frost line (4+ feet deep) or be designed as floating slabs with proper insulation and drainage. Rocky View County's expansive clay soils make proper drainage and grading critical to prevent foundation movement and water issues.

Next Steps

Contact Rocky View County directly at 403-230-1401 or visit rockyview.ca to confirm permit requirements for your specific project. Describe exactly what you're planning: shed dimensions, slab size and thickness, and intended use. The county can tell you definitively whether permits are required and what the process involves.

Even if no permit is required, ensure your slab meets Alberta Building Code requirements for frost protection and drainage. Consider hiring a contractor experienced with Rocky View County's soil conditions and climate requirements to avoid costly foundation problems down the road.

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