BILD Calgary Region Bulletin 2026 – 10
| From: | City of Chestermere – Building Safety Team |
| Date: | February 20, 2026 |
| Subject: | Builder Bulletin |
Single and Semi-family Dwelling Authenticated Roof Trusses March 1, 2026
The Government of Alberta has set a date for when authenticated roof-truss member details will be required for single- and semi-detached homes.
STANDATA Interpretation 23-BCI-015R1
Interpretation
- Wood trusses and truss assemblies must be designed and authenticated by a registered engineering professional.
- All aspects of wood trusses and truss assemblies required to be designed in accordance with good engineering practice, such as that described in TPIC, require authentication. Authenticated documents may include, but are not limited to, the information provided in Appendix H of the TPIC. Documents may not require authentication if the design information they contain is located in other documentation that is already authenticated.
- All wood truss joint connections must be designed in conformance with the requirements in Subsection 4.3.1and be authenticated.
- The authenticated truss drawings or other required authenticated drawings must be provided to the AHJ before their scheduled inspection or approval for covering as part of the permit conditions.
This INTERPRETATION is applicable throughout the Province of Alberta.
- The City of Chestermere will require authenticated wood trusses and truss assemblies, along with connection details and design information, for single- and semi-detached homes. Authentication can be applied to the Truss Layout and Truss Profile, or to a single document, provided the content requiring authentication has been included.
- Documents are preferred at the time of building permit application, but they must be received before proceeding from the Framing Inspection stage.
- All other Part 9 (row housing) buildings will require authenticated layouts and truss member details.
- Detached garages will not require authenticated documents.
Electrical Service Sizing
Electrical service sizing has become a challenge with secondary suite development, EV charging, and the addition of various heavy electrical loads. Starting on March 1, 2026, any home on a parcel of land zoned to permit secondary suites must upgrade the electrical service to accommodate future loading.
- Homes less than 2300 sq/ft of above-ground finished floor space will require a 125 Amp supply service.
- Homes with greater than 2300 sq/ft of above-ground finished floor space will require a 180 Amp supply service.
Plumbing Secondary Suite Isolation
When a residential dwelling contains more than one dwelling unit, the secondary dwelling requires a separate domestic water branch lines and shut-off valves in the mechanical room per the 2020 National Plumbing code Division B, 2.6.1.3. 5). Plumbing permits issued after March 1, 2026, for secondary suites will require the separate water lines and shut-off valves.
Natural Gas & Propane Temporary Heat
Protecting workers and the public from unsafe conditions is our priority. Temporary gas installations are no exception from the permitting and inspection process.
Before starting any construction or installing any temporary heating/generator systems, a City of Chestermere Gas permit is required.
- This can be achieved by obtaining a gas permit for the project’s gas installation and including a temporary heat/generator on the permit application. or
- A separate gas permit for the installation of natural gas heaters/generators or propane tanks and heaters/generators.
Inspections are required for all permits and must be requested by the permit holder upon completion of the installation.
Owner and Permit Holder Responsibilities
- Adhere to all applicable legislation, codes, standards, and bylaws.
- Ensure all heating/generator equipment is approved and certified for the specific usage.
- Follow all manufacturer instructions for the installation, clearances, operation and maintenance of the temporary heating/generator system.
Heater/Generator Safety
- Maintain required clearances as per manufacturer’s instructions (Examples: Most heaters require 0.3m (1ft) from sides and back and 2m (6ft) from outlet)
Propane Tank Safety
- Protect tanks, cylinders, and hoses from vehicles and equipment using approved barriers. (Examples: Jersey barrier, bollards, location)
- Cylinders must remain upright and be moved using approved equipment.
- Maintain all required clearances. (Examples: 1m (3ft) from buildings, 3m (10ft) from air intakes and ignition sources, etc.)
Occupational Health & Safety identifies construction safety as everyone’s responsibility. We are reminding our industry partners to remain diligent in protecting our workers and adjacent properties. Non-compliance may result in work stoppages and penalties.
Construction Site Safety
Construction safety is not new and is everyone’s responsibility. We have seen significant improvements in site cleanliness over the past year, but as spring nears, loose debris will become more visible. This is a reminder of the construction site expectations to ensure safety for all.
- Site fencing should be installed in such a manner that it is adequately braced to maintain stability and resist wind load. Specific attention must be paid when construction is adjacent to occupied homes and communities.
- Construction debris must be contained within the site and within the garbage bin. If the garbage bin is permitted to be placed on the public street, it should be placed neatly and parallel with the sidewalk. The enclosure will be arranged to prevent waste material from projecting beyond its confines and will not be accessible to the public. Waste material shall be removed as quickly as possible to prevent drifting debris.
- Construction activities will always ensure the safe passage of pedestrian and vehicular traffic past the site. Material or equipment shall not be placed on any street or other public property.
For more information on permits and inspections, visit: Development & Building Services or contact our Safety Codes team at inspections@chestermere.ca
