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COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
Learn about residential builder licensing and how to apply.
All residential builders in Alberta must have a licence to obtain permits for constructing new homes.
When applying for a building permit for a new home, a builder must present a Certificate of Licence (builder licence) and the Approved New Home Registration for the new home to the permitting agency.
Licences are valid for one year from the date of issue, unless otherwise specified by the Registrar.
Builder licences are not transferrable. If a residential builder creates separate legal entities, such as numbered companies, each of those companies requires its own builder licence.
If the restructuring or renaming of a residential builder results in a new legal entity, the new legal entity requires a new builder licence.
You can apply for either a general contractor or developer licence depending on the types of homes you are building. It is important to apply for the correct class of licence for your business.
A licensed general contractor can register properties where the Alberta Building Code does not require the involvement of a coordinating registered professional (typically single-family or multi-family homes up to 4 dwelling units).
A licensed developer can register properties where the Alberta Building Code requires the involvement of a coordinating registered professional (typically residential projects with 5 or more dwelling units, such as condominiums).
When a project requires a coordinating registered professional, the builder is required to have a developer licence.
A new licence is $600, and a renewal licence is $500.
Builder licence applications are processed within 14 business days. However, it could be longer if a builder fails to provide current and complete information.
Ensure that your builder profile is up-to-date and aligns with your information in the Alberta Corporate Registry.
Before applying for a new home building permit, residential builders must:
Find how to purchase a permit in your area: Permits and Alberta’s Safety Code System.
Instructions on using the New Home Buyer Protection System and applying for a builder licence:
Register your organization by creating a builder account in the New Home Buyer Protection System's Builder's Portal.
Complete and submit the New Home Buyer Protection System (NHBPS) Access Request form if you do not have an existing account.
Requests are processed within 5 business days.
Once access is granted, you can populate your builder profile. Log in to the Builder’s Portal, click Launch and then click Builder Profile.
Please ensure that your builder profile is up-to-date and aligns with your information in the Alberta Corporate Registry:
An officer is:
To access the licence application, click Licensing.
You will need to indicate the class of licence you need. A General Contractor licence is required for constructing homes between 1 to 4 residential units. A Developer licence is required for constructing multi-family homes that are more than 5 units, such as condominiums.
You must indicate which warranty provider will be backing your properties and answer questions about:
You can choose to pay online or by mailing a printed copy of the invoice along with your payment.
Connect with the Residential Protection Program:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-644-1010 (within Canada and United States)
Toll free: 1-866-421-6929 (within Canada)
Email: [email protected]
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