Sherwood Park, Alberta
Basement finishing in Sherwood Park
Free in-home estimates from Summerwood to Salisbury Village, with a local builder who works with Strathcona County permits.
Permits in Sherwood Park, explained
Sherwood Park is part of Strathcona County, so basement permits come from the County's Planning and Development Services, not the City of Edmonton.
- Building permit for most work inside the home
- Electrical permit for new or changed wiring, gas permit for a gas fireplace
- Plumbing permit only if rough-ins are added or moved
- Floor plans with room uses and sizes, window sizes, and smoke and CO alarm locations
Your builder can prepare the drawings, apply for the permits and book the inspections, so you don't have to deal with the paperwork.
Rules, fees and processing times change. Always confirm the current requirements with Strathcona County: Strathcona County: basement development.
Estimates every day, evenings too.
Good to know in Sherwood Park
Insulation the County expects
Foundation walls need R17 insulation with an HRV, or R20 without one, and any foam has to be covered, for example with 1/2-inch drywall.
Backwater valve rebate
The County refunds up to 50% of the cost of a backwater valve, to a maximum of $1,200, for eligible homes built before 1989 on County sewer.
Bedroom windows and wells
Each bedroom needs a window with a clear opening of at least 380 mm (15 in) each way and 0.35 m² in area. If it opens into a window well, the well needs 760 mm (30 in) of clearance.
Popular basement layouts in Sherwood Park
More basement ideas →
Open family room
One big space for movies, games and guests
Bedroom + full bathroom
Room for guests, a teenager or a home office
Legal basement suite
Separate entrance, kitchen and bathroom, ready to rentBasement projects in Sherwood Park
Basement Development
Turn an unfinished basement into living spaceLearn moreBasement Renovation
Update or redo a finished basementLearn moreLegal Basement Suites
A separate, rentable suite built to codeLearn moreBasement Bathrooms
Add a full or half bathroom downstairsLearn moreWet Bars & Kitchenettes
A bar or small kitchen in your basementLearn moreEgress Windows
Code-compliant windows for basement bedroomsLearn moreSee what your Sherwood Park basement could become
Every basement is different. A local builder can look at your space, suggest layouts that work for your home and follow up with a written quote for your plan.
Guides for Sherwood Park homeowners
All guides →Sherwood Park questions
Who issues basement permits in Sherwood Park?
Strathcona County, not the City of Edmonton. Your builder can apply with the County and book the inspections.
Can I add a secondary suite in Sherwood Park?
Yes, in any zone where single detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwellings are allowed (townhouses only in certain cases). One suite per home, smaller than the main unit, with its own entrance, independent heating and ventilation, and a minimum ceiling height of 1.95 m.
How much parking does a suite need?
At least 3 on-site stalls: 2 for the house and 1 for the suite. There are limited exemptions for lots with lane access.
Is there a rebate for a backwater valve?
Yes. Strathcona County covers up to 50% of supply and installation, to a maximum of $1,200, for eligible single-family homes and duplexes built before 1989. Permits and inspection approval are needed before the rebate is paid.
Where should my sump pump drain?
County rules say the discharge must be at least 1.5 m from the foundation and 7.5 m back from the curb, and the sump must never be connected to the sanitary sewer.