Permits & Building Codes
Questions about Calgary building permits, Alberta Building Code requirements, Safety Codes Officers, and inspections
Is a vapor barrier required on basement ceiling joists under the Alberta building code, or just on the walls?
Under the Alberta Building Code, vapor barriers are required on basement walls but NOT typically required on basement ceiling joists. The ceiling betw...
My garage conversion got flagged by city inspector in Parkdale. What are common code violations?
Garage conversions in Calgary frequently get flagged for fire separation, ceiling height, egress, and electrical issues. The City of Calgary has stric...
How long does a development permit appeal take in Calgary if my neighbor objects to my laneway home in Kensington?
Development permit appeals in Calgary typically take 4-6 months from filing to final decision, though complex cases involving laneway homes in establi...
What is the timeline for obtaining a development permit and building permit to build a detached garage with a suite above in Auburn Bay?
For a detached garage with suite in Auburn Bay, you'll need both a development permit (6-12 weeks) and building permit (4-8 weeks), totaling approxima...
Do Calgary building inspectors check insulation levels during basement development final inspections, or do they just check the framing and electrical?
Calgary building inspectors absolutely check insulation levels during basement development inspections, not just framing and electrical. Insulation is...
What are the permit requirements for adding a separate entrance to a basement suite in Tuxedo Park or Beddington?
Adding a separate entrance to a basement suite in Tuxedo Park or Beddington requires both a development permit and building permit from the City of Ca...
What are the HVAC sizing rules for adding a basement suite furnace under the Alberta Building Code?
Adding a basement suite furnace in Alberta requires careful sizing calculations and must comply with specific Alberta Building Code requirements for s...
What's the timeline to get City of Calgary approval for a garage suite conversion in Marda Loop?
Converting an existing garage to a backyard suite in Marda Loop typically takes 8-12 weeks for City of Calgary approvals, plus additional time for per...
Can I finish half my basement now and do the other half in 2 years, or does the permit cover everything at once?
You can absolutely finish your basement in phases, but the permit approach depends on how you plan it. Most Calgary homeowners successfully tackle bas...
Can I pour a concrete slab for a shed in my backyard in Springbank Hill without a permit if it's under 108 sq ft?
No, you cannot pour a concrete slab for a shed in Springbank Hill without checking permit requirements first. Springbank Hill is located in Rocky View...
What's involved in adding a legal suite to a raised bungalow? What are the egress window requirements and ceiling height rules?
Adding a legal suite to a raised bungalow involves creating a separate dwelling unit that meets Alberta Building Code requirements for fire safety, eg...
Do I need a building permit to replace all the windows in my house in Calgary, or just if I change the size?
Yes, you need a building permit to replace all the windows in your house in Calgary, regardless of whether you're changing the size or doing like-for-...
Timeline to get rocky view county permits for a new shop building on agricultural land?
For a new shop building on agricultural land in Rocky View County, expect 6-12 weeks for permit approval, though complex projects can take 3-4 months...
Is it legal to have a basement suite without a separate furnace, or does Calgary allow shared HVAC systems now?
Yes, it's legal to have a basement suite share the main home's HVAC system in Calgary, but there are specific requirements you must meet under the Alb...
Can I run my own natural gas line to a detached garage, or does it need a gas fitter permit?
You absolutely cannot run your own natural gas line to a detached garage in Alberta — this work requires a licensed gas fitter and proper permits thro...
What happens if I finish my basement without a permit and try to sell in 5 years?
Finishing your basement without permits will likely create significant problems when you try to sell, potentially costing you far more than the origin...
Installing a gas line for a BBQ on my deck in West Springs - do I need a permit, and does it have to be installed by a master gasfitter?
Yes, you absolutely need a gas permit for a BBQ gas line installation in Calgary, and it must be installed by a licensed gas contractor - not necessar...
What is the actual cost to add a legal secondary suite in a detached garage in Sunalta, including all permits and inspections?
Adding a legal secondary suite in a detached garage in Sunalta will typically cost $120,000 - $250,000 all-in, including permits, inspections, and pro...
Does the Safety Codes Council require sprinklers for residential homes over 600 square feet when building a 2-storey laneway home in Inglewood?
No, the Safety Codes Council of Alberta does not require sprinklers for residential homes over 600 square feet. Residential sprinkler requirements in...
Should I get a sewer camera inspection before buying a 1940s house in Bowness or Altadore?
Absolutely yes – a sewer camera inspection is essential for any 1940s home in Calgary, especially in Bowness and Altadore. These war-time bungalows ar...
How long does a full window replacement job take on a detached house in Cochrane from demo to final inspection?
A full window replacement on a detached house in Cochrane typically takes 2-4 weeks from demolition to final inspection, depending on the number of wi...
What is the building code height for a detached garage in the City of Calgary?
Under the Alberta Building Code, detached accessory buildings like garages can be up to 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) in height without requiring a building...
Does the Safety Codes Council require an engineered drawing for a 400 sq ft deck on a walkout basement in Evergreen?
The Safety Codes Council of Alberta doesn't directly require engineered drawings, but the City of Calgary's building permit requirements determine whe...
How long does a typical basement development take in Calgary from permit to final inspection?
A typical basement development in Calgary takes 3-6 months from permit application to final inspection, with the actual construction phase lasting 6-1...
How long does the Safety Codes Council basement development permit approval take in Calgary right now?
The Safety Codes Council of Alberta doesn't issue basement development permits — the City of Calgary handles building permits directly, and current pr...
Does the Safety Codes Council require separate permits for a basement bedroom and bathroom, or can I bundle them?
The Safety Codes Council of Alberta doesn't issue permits directly — your local municipality (City of Calgary, Airdrie, etc.) issues the permits, but...
We gutted our bathroom down to the studs. How long until we can use it again with permits and inspections in Calgary?
With proper permits and inspections, expect your gutted bathroom to be out of commission for 3-4 weeks minimum, though 4-6 weeks is more realistic for...
Building a legal suite in my basement in Garrison Green - do I need two separate meters for electricity or just a subpanel?
For a legal basement suite in Calgary, you typically need just a subpanel, not separate electrical meters. The City of Calgary allows secondary suites...
Do I need a permit to upgrade from a 100-amp to a 200-amp panel in our old bungalow in Ramsay?
Yes, you absolutely need an electrical permit to upgrade from a 100-amp to a 200-amp electrical panel in Calgary, and this work must be performed by a...
Is there a City of Calgary rebate for upgrading to energy efficient windows or doors in 2026?
The City of Calgary does not offer direct rebates for window and door upgrades, but significant federal and provincial rebates are available for Calga...
What happens if I start framing my basement before getting a safety codes permit? Can I just apply for the permit later?
No, you cannot legally start framing before obtaining the required building permit, and applying for a permit after starting work can create serious c...
Does the Calgary R-CG blanket rezoning mean I can build a backyard suite without a development permit in Bridgeland?
No, you still need a development permit for a backyard suite in Bridgeland, even with the R-CG blanket rezoning. The R-CG zoning enables backyard suit...
What is the permit timeline for a legal secondary suite in a basement in Beddington from application to final occupancy?
For a legal secondary suite in Beddington, expect 8-12 weeks total from application to final occupancy, assuming no complications with inspections or...
We want to add a kitchenette to our basement suite in Killarney. Does that trigger commercial kitchen codes or just residential?
A basement suite kitchenette in Calgary falls under residential codes, not commercial kitchen requirements. Since you're creating a secondary suite wi...