In Alberta, cabinets, framing and finishes directly above a cooktop must be at least 750 mm (2 ft 6 in) above the burners or elements, or 600 mm (2 ft) if they're noncombustible or sit behind a metal hood that projects 125 mm (4.9 in) past them (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.2). Combustible walls and cabinets within 450 mm (1 ft 6 in) of the cooktop need protection above burner level, such as 9.5 mm (0.4 in) gypsum board (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.3). Both rules are in the second printing of the National Building Code, 2023 Alberta Edition, in force since 17 August 2026 (Government of Alberta, 2026).
Key takeaways
- As of October 2026, combustible cabinets, framing and finishes directly above a cooktop must be at least 750 mm (2 ft 6 in) above the burners or elements (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.2).
- That drops to 600 mm (2 ft) when what's above is noncombustible, or protected by a metal hood projecting 125 mm (4.9 in) beyond it (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.2).
- Combustible walls and cabinets within 450 mm (1 ft 6 in) of the cooktop need 9.5 mm (0.4 in) gypsum or an equal finish above burner level; backsplashes and cabinets 450 mm or more up are exempt (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.3).
- The code's Note says these vertical clearances don't apply to over-the-range microwaves or range hoods, which follow their own standards and instructions (NBC(AE) 2023, Note A-9.10.22.).
- Each kitchen needs an exhaust fan of at least 50 L/s, unless the house's main ventilation fan draws from the kitchen and can boost to 2.5 times its normal rate (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.32.3.7).
- In Calgary, every new gas range installation needs a gas permit, issued to a qualified gas fitter (The City of Calgary, 2026).
How much clearance does a stove need above it in Alberta?
750 mm (2 ft 6 in) from the burners to anything combustible directly above. That covers framing, finishes and cabinetry over the cooktop (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.2). It's measured from the level of the burners or elements, not from the floor or the counter.
The clearance can drop to 600 mm (2 ft) in two cases: the framing, finishes and cabinets above are noncombustible, or a metal hood under them projects 125 mm (4.9 in) beyond them. The code applies the same numbers to gas, propane and electric ranges (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.1).
The clearances around a cooktop, as of October 2026:
| Where | Minimum | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directly above the cooktop | 750 mm (2 ft 6 in) above the burners | Combustible framing, finishes or cabinets | 9.10.22.2.(1) |
| Directly above, reduced | 600 mm (2 ft) above the burners | Noncombustible, or under a metal hood projecting 125 mm (4.9 in) | 9.10.22.2.(2) |
| Beside the cooktop | Protect combustibles within 450 mm (1 ft 6 in), above burner level | 9.5 mm (0.4 in) gypsum, or 10 min fire rating with flame spread of 25 or less | 9.10.22.3.(1) |
| Backsplash or back plate | No extra protection | Extends above burner level | 9.10.22.3.(2) |
| Side cabinets | No extra protection | Bottom at least 450 mm (1 ft 6 in) above the burners | 9.10.22.3.(3) |
Note: building code minimums for combustibles around the cooktop. The appliance's installation instructions and Alberta's gas and electrical regulations can ask for more, and the strictest rule wins.
The drawing shows a 760 mm (30 in) range, a common width, with 450 mm of wall on each side, 1 660 mm in all, and 1 000 mm of wall above the burners. Check your own appliance's spec sheet, since widths vary.
On an elevation drawing, measure the cabinet over the range from the burners, not from the counter or the floor. That's the number the 750 mm rule reads.
What protection is needed beside a stove?
Anything combustible within 450 mm (1 ft 6 in) of where the cooktop sits needs protection above burner level. The code accepts gypsum board at least 9.5 mm (0.4 in) thick, or any material with a 10 min fire-resistance rating and a flame-spread rating of 25 or less (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.3). Standard 12.7 mm (0.5 in) drywall is thicker than that minimum.
Two things are exempt. A backsplash or back plate that rises above burner level doesn't need the extra layer, and neither does a side cabinet whose bottom is at least 450 mm above the burners (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.3). The Note's figure states the other side of the rule: combustibles more than 450 mm away need no protection (NBC(AE) 2023, Note A-9.10.22.).
This is where the plan matters. A tall pantry or wood end panel close beside the range can fall inside the 450 mm zone, and so can a side wall at the end of a run. Each needs a protected face, or more space between it and the cooktop.
Does a microwave over the range need the same clearance?
No. The code's Note says the vertical clearances in 9.10.22.2 "apply only to combustible framing, finishes and cabinets" and don't apply to microwave ovens installed over cooktops or to range hoods (NBC(AE) 2023, Note A-9.10.22.). An over-the-range microwave has to meet CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 150 under the electrical code and go in by its maker's instructions. Notes are guidance, so treat the installation instructions as the rule for the appliance.
The cabinet above that microwave is still combustible cabinetry over a cooktop, so it still answers to the 750 mm or 600 mm rule.
What changes for a gas range in Alberta?
Gas and propane cooktops and ovens are installed under the Gas Code Regulation made under Alberta's Safety Codes Act, and the building code's clearances still apply on top (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.1). That reference is Alberta's own wording. The Note explains that the gas and electrical regulations cover clearances above, in front of, behind and beside the appliance, and that where both apply, "the most stringent criteria" govern (NBC(AE) 2023, Note A-9.10.22.).
In Calgary, "All new gas range installations require a permit," the gas permit goes to a qualified gas fitter and covers the appliance and its gas line, and the range must be installed to the manufacturer's instructions (The City of Calgary, 2026). A homeowner can take out a gas permit only if they're an Alberta certified journeyman gasfitter working on a single-family home (The City of Calgary, 2026).
What exhaust fan does a kitchen need in Alberta?
At least 50 L/s, with a switch in the kitchen. The code's alternatives and limits, as of October 2026:
| Rule | Value | Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen exhaust fan | At least 50 L/s rated capacity | 9.32.3.7.(1) |
| No separate fan needed | The main ventilation fan's only intake is in the kitchen | 9.32.3.7.(2) |
| No separate fan needed | The main fan draws from the kitchen and other rooms, boosts to 2.5 times its normal rate, on a switch labelled "KITCHEN EXHAUST" | 9.32.3.7.(3) |
| Kitchen exhaust intake other than a cooktop fan | In the ceiling, or on the wall at least 2 m (6 ft 7 in) above the floor | 9.32.3.7.(5) |
| Switch | Manual, in the room the fan serves | 9.32.3.7.(6) |
| Makeup air, homes with a chimney-vented furnace or water heater | A supply fan matching the exhaust, up to 10% more | 9.32.3.8.(2) |
Note: code minimums for capacity and controls. A large hood is a choice, and in some homes it brings the makeup air rule with it.
The makeup air row matters for big range hoods in older homes. It applies where a home has a fuel-fired furnace or water heater that isn't direct-vented or mechanically vented. In that case, an exhaust device beyond the main ventilation fan needs an outdoor air supply fan rated at no less than its exhaust and no more than 10% above it, brought into an unoccupied area or tempered to at least 12°C first (NBC(AE) 2023, 9.32.3.8).
What else does the code set for a kitchen?
Very little about layout. A kitchen needs a 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) ceiling over the lesser of its area or 3.2 m² (34 sq ft) (NBC(AE) 2023, Table 9.5.3.1). If it's ventilated naturally in summer, it needs 0.28 m² (3 sq ft) of openable area, counted per room or combined room (NBC(AE) 2023, Table 9.32.2.2). The code sets no island clearance, aisle width or work triangle; the kitchen renovation cost guide covers permits and budgets.
Cooking fires are among the most common house fires. The Calgary Fire Department's home checklist says they occur "an average 1.4 times every day in Calgary" (Calgary Fire Department, home fire checklist). Smoke alarm placement near a kitchen is on the smoke and CO alarm guide.
Seeing the range wall at full size
At 1to1 Plans Calgary, your kitchen plan is shown at full size on a walkable LED floor, and elevations go up on a wall-size screen behind it. You can stand where the range goes, see how far the nearest tall cabinet or side wall sits from it, and check the cabinet heights on the elevation with your designer. Changes are made on the spot, and you keep the recording.
Sessions are quoted for the plan, and the quote is free (see pricing). See renovations, the other building code guides, or book a session.
Questions
How high above a stove do cabinets need to be in Alberta?
In Alberta, combustible cabinets directly above a cooktop must be at least 750 mm (2 ft 6 in) above the burners or elements, as of October 2026. The clearance can drop to 600 mm (2 ft) if the cabinet is noncombustible or protected by a metal hood projecting 125 mm (4.9 in) beyond it.
How close can a stove be to a side wall in Alberta?
In Alberta, a stove can sit right beside a side wall, but any combustible wall or cabinet within 450 mm (1 ft 6 in) of the cooktop must be protected above burner level. Gypsum board at least 9.5 mm (0.4 in) thick meets the rule.
Does an over-the-range microwave need 750 mm of clearance?
No. The code's Note says Alberta's 750 mm and 600 mm cooktop clearances don't apply to microwave ovens installed over a cooktop or to range hoods. The microwave follows its own safety standard and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Is a range hood required by code in Alberta?
The code doesn't name a hood. In Alberta, each kitchen needs an exhaust fan of at least 50 L/s, unless the house's main ventilation fan draws from the kitchen and can boost to 2.5 times its normal rate. A range hood is the usual way to provide it.
Do I need a permit to install a gas stove in Calgary?
Yes. In Calgary, every new gas range installation needs a gas permit, and it's issued to a qualified gas fitter. A homeowner can take one out only if they're an Alberta certified journeyman gasfitter.
Sources
- NBC(AE) 2023, 9.10.22.2 nrc-publications.canada.ca
- Government of Alberta, 2026 alberta.ca
- The City of Calgary, 2026 calgary.ca
- The City of Calgary, 2026 calgary.ca
- Calgary Fire Department, home fire checklist calgary.ca
