Planning to build a detached garage in Rocky View County? A new County initiative could make your building permit application simpler.
Rocky View County now offers pre-engineered slab-on-grade foundation drawings for qualifying detached residential garages.
The drawings are professionally engineered and available to download from the County’s Building Forms and Documents webpage. If your project meets the requirements, you can use the appropriate drawing with your building permit application instead of arranging a separate foundation design.
Who are the drawings for?
The drawing package covers three garage footprints across two truss orientations each, plus six slab-edge thickening details that match different wall loads and overhead door configurations:
| Sheet | Garage size | Truss span direction |
|---|---|---|
| S3.1A | 20 ft × 30 ft (6.1 m × 9.1 m) | Across the 20 ft (short) direction |
| S3.1B | 20 ft × 30 ft (6.1 m × 9.1 m) | Across the 30 ft (long) direction |
| S3.2A | 30 ft × 40 ft (9.1 m × 12.2 m) | Across the 30 ft (short) direction |
| S3.2B | 30 ft × 40 ft (9.1 m × 12.2 m) | Across the 40 ft (long) direction |
| S3.3A | 40 ft × 40 ft (12.2 m × 12.2 m) | Truss Orientation A |
| S3.3B | 40 ft × 40 ft (12.2 m × 12.2 m) | Truss Orientation B |
Sheet S0.1 contains the design notes, material specifications, reinforcement requirements and slab-edge thickening details.
Your garage must also meet the other requirements outlined in the drawings.
When are site-specific designs required?
Projects with a second floor, loft or mezzanine, or projects that fall outside the available configurations or other design limitations, cannot use these standard foundation drawings and will require a site-specific engineered foundation design.
Unusual soil, groundwater or other site conditions may also require geotechnical review and/or a site-specific engineered foundation design.
The pre-engineered drawings apply to the foundation system only. They are not a site-specific engineering review of your property or project.
The owner and contractor are responsible for confirming that the selected drawing is suitable for the proposed garage and site conditions, and for following all applicable notes, limitations and construction requirements contained within the drawings.
How do I get the drawings?
It’s simple:
1. Check your project.
Make sure your garage meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Choose the right drawing.
Select the foundation drawing that matches your garage size and configuration.
3. Include it with your permit application.
Submit the applicable drawings as part of your building permit application.
The drawings are available on the Building Forms and Documents webpage under “Pre-Engineered Garage Foundation Drawings.”
Do I still need a building permit?
Yes. The pre-engineered drawings do not replace the building permit process. Your complete building permit application must still be submitted to and approved by Rocky View County before construction begins. The drawings must also be used as issued and cannot be modified.
A simpler way to get started
This new initiative is designed to make it easier for homeowners and contractors to get started on qualifying garage projects by providing commonly needed foundation designs in one place.
Not sure if your project qualifies? Review the requirements on the Building Forms and Documents webpage or contact Rocky View County Building Services before submitting your application.
Building Services
Phone: 403-230-1401
Email: building@rockyview.ca