Is a re-roof permit needed in Cochrane?

For a straight like-for-like re-roof in Cochrane, no permit is needed. The Town of Cochrane's own permit guide lists "replacing roofing or siding" as work that does not require a permit, and that aligns with Alberta's Permit Regulation, which exempts re-roofing done for appearance or maintenance when the new material is of a similar type and no structural change is involved.

What "like-for-like" means here

Same material to same material: asphalt shingles replaced with asphalt shingles, a flat membrane replaced with a comparable membrane. That work falls clearly within the exemption. Where it gets less clear is a switch between material types, say from cedar shake to asphalt, or from asphalt to metal. The provincial exemption is written around "a similar type of material," so a switch may or may not fall within it. The Town of Cochrane is the right place to ask before you sign anything, and your contract should spell out who is responsible for arranging any permit if one turns out to be required.

Structural work is a separate matter entirely. If a roofer finds rotted or damaged decking, sagging rafters, or any framing that needs repair or replacement, that work can trigger a permit regardless of what goes on top. Get that confirmed with the Town before the job starts if there is any sign of structural damage.

Solar panels are a different case. A building permit may be required for heavier roof-mounted collectors, and photovoltaic systems need an electrical permit and a licensed electrical contractor. Confirm both with the Town of Cochrane before installation.

A few other things worth confirming before you hire a roofer in Cochrane. If any deposit changes hands before the work is complete, the contractor must hold an Alberta prepaid contracting licence; check it on Service Alberta's online lookup. Ask for a WCB-Alberta clearance letter as well, because if a contractor without WCB coverage is injured on your property, you could be responsible for outstanding premiums. Get everything in writing: scope of work, materials, tear-off and disposal, decking allowance, eave protection, flashings, start and completion dates, and a holdback until the job is done to your satisfaction.

If your home was built before 1990, mention it to the roofer before tear-off begins. Older roofing materials can contain asbestos, and Alberta OHS requires that removal be handled by trained workers with waste taken to an approved landfill.