My realtor said we need a separate entrance for a legal suite — can it share a landing with the main house?

Your realtor is correct that a legal secondary suite needs a separate entrance, but sharing a landing with the main house is generally NOT permitted under Calgary's requirements. The City of Calgary requires secondary suites to have a truly independent entrance that doesn't pass through or share space with the main dwelling unit.

Separate entrance requirements are quite specific in Calgary. The secondary suite entrance must be completely independent from the main house entrance — this means separate doors, separate pathways, and no shared vestibules, foyers, or landings. The intent is to ensure the suite functions as an independent dwelling unit with its own private access. A shared landing would violate this independence requirement because both units would be using the same space to access their homes.

This is different from some other jurisdictions where shared landings might be acceptable. Calgary's interpretation of the Alberta Building Code and their own secondary suite guidelines are strict on this point. The entrance separation is about more than just convenience — it's about fire safety, privacy, and legal occupancy. In an emergency, each unit needs its own clear egress path without depending on or interfering with the other unit.

Practical solutions for your situation depend on your home's layout. Many Calgary homeowners create separate entrances by adding a new door to the basement (common for basement suites), building a separate entrance to an upper floor, or reconfiguring existing entrances. For basement suites, this often means adding an exterior door with proper stairs and landing. For upper-floor suites, you might need to add an external staircase or convert an existing entrance.

The entrance must also meet accessibility and safety requirements — proper stairs with handrails, adequate lighting, safe walking surfaces, and appropriate door sizes. The entrance needs to connect to a public sidewalk or driveway without crossing through the main house's private outdoor space.

Before proceeding, you'll need both a development permit and building permit from the City of Calgary. The development permit confirms your property can legally have a secondary suite, and the building permit ensures the construction meets all safety codes. Contact Calgary Planning at 311 or check calgaryplanningpermit.ca to start the application process. They can review your specific property and confirm exactly what entrance configuration will be acceptable for your situation.