Does the Safety Codes Council require separate permits for a basement bedroom and bathroom, or can I bundle them?

The Safety Codes Council of Alberta doesn't issue permits directly — your local municipality (City of Calgary, Airdrie, etc.) issues the permits, but they follow the Safety Codes system. For a basement bedroom and bathroom, you'll need multiple permits that cannot be bundled into one.

You'll need to obtain separate permits for each trade, even though they're part of the same basement development project. Here's what's required:

Building Permit covers the overall construction work — framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, and creating the bedroom space. This permit addresses structural requirements, egress windows for the bedroom (mandatory for basement bedrooms under the Alberta Building Code), fire separation between floors, and ceiling height requirements (minimum 1.95m or 6'5").

Electrical Permit is required for all new electrical work — outlets, lighting, bathroom fan, and any additional circuits. In Calgary, basement developments typically require upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp electrical panels to handle the additional load. All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician and inspected by an accredited Safety Codes Officer.

Plumbing Permit covers the bathroom installation — toilet, sink, shower/tub, and all rough-in plumbing. This includes connecting to existing drain lines and water supply. A licensed plumber must perform this work, and it requires separate inspections for rough-in (before drywall) and final (after fixtures are installed).

HVAC Permit may be needed if you're extending or modifying your heating and ventilation system to serve the new spaces. Proper ventilation is crucial for basement bathrooms to prevent moisture problems.

In Calgary specifically, you can apply for all permits simultaneously through the same application, but each trade requires its own permit fee and inspection schedule. Total permit costs typically range from $1,500-$3,500 for a basement bedroom and bathroom project. Processing time is usually 2-4 weeks for straightforward basement developments.

Professional guidance is essential — basement developments must meet strict egress, fire separation, and moisture control requirements under the Alberta Building Code. The bedroom must have a proper egress window (minimum opening size and well depth requirements), and the bathroom needs proper ventilation to prevent mold and moisture issues in Calgary's climate.

Contact your local building department (City of Calgary: 311, or your municipality's building department) to confirm specific requirements and start the permit application process.