Use this page to help guide you through submitting a complete application. We will explain when you need a permit, what permits you need, what your application requirements are and go over some common rules relating to your project.
If you are updating or building a garage that is not attached to your home, you need a Residential Improvement Project Permit. Watch the following video to learn more from our industry expert Jonathan Hasse, safety codes officer, at the City of Calgary.
Building safety approval is to make sure that the structure meets building safety requirements. Review the construction (building code information) section of this page for more information.
You may require additional permits depending on if it meets the rules of the Land Use Bylaw or if you are doing any additional work including electrical or plumbing.
A separate plumbing permit is required for all new plumbing installations, as well as when extending or altering any existing plumbing systems. For more information about what type of electrical work a homeowner may obtain a permit for, review the homeowners permits eligibility and plumbing permit sections. For information for contractors, visit the trade permit contractor information page.
Building safety approval - building permit | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Safety codes council fee (4%) | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Building safety approval - building permit : New garage | Fee schedule : building permit fee schedule | Permit fee : $321 | Safety codes council fee (4%) : $12.84 | Total : $333.84 |
Building safety approval - building permit : New carport, shed, greenhouse, or pergola | Fee schedule : building permit fee schedule | Permit fee : $198 | Safety codes council fee (4%) : $7.92 | Total : $205.92 |
Building safety approval - building permit : Renovation to an existing garage, shed, greenhouse, or pergola | Fee schedule : building permit fee schedule | Permit fee : $198 | Safety codes council fee (4%) : $7.92 | Total : $205.92 |
Trade permits | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Safety codes council fee (4%) | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Trade permits : Homeowner electrical permit | Fee schedule : building permit fee schedule | Permit fee : $112 | Safety codes council fee (4%) : $4.50 | Total : $116.50 |
Trade permits : Homeowner plumbing permit | Fee schedule : building permit fee schedule | Permit fee : $112 | Safety codes council fee (4%) : $4.50 | Total : $116.50 |
Trade permits : Contractor trade permit | Fee schedule : building permit fee schedule | Permit fee : - | Safety codes council fee (4%) : - | Total : Get a permit fee estimate |
Planning approval - development permit (if applicable) | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Advertising fee | Development completion inspection | Total |
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Planning approval - development permit (if applicable) : Proposed land use bylaw relaxation for a garage, shed, greenhouse, or pergola | Fee schedule : planning applications fee schedule | Permit fee : $365 | Advertising fee : $30 | Development completion inspection : $155 | Total : $550 |
For online submissions you will pay your permit fees in full at the time of your application using a credit card
You will be required to pay in full at the time of your application. You may pay by credit or debit card, cheque or cash.
Timelines indicated are not a guarantee and depend on volumes, application completeness, and the applicant’s timely replies to additional information requests from the City.
Tip: To avoid delays in processing your application, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information listed on the checklist below. See the tips for a smooth application for details on submitting a complete application.
Building safety approval - building permit | Our process | Timeline |
---|---|---|
Building safety approval - building permit : - New garage - New carport, shed, greenhouse, or pergola - Renovation to an existing garage, shed, greenhouse, or pergola | Our process : Application is reviewed for compliance with the land use bylaw and safety codes | Timeline : Approximately 7 days |
Review our development permit process page for more information about the planning approval process.
You will receive a permit expiry reminder in the mail. If you need more time, you can extend your permit. Review the extend or reinstate your permit section.
Permit type | Expiry (from date of issuance) |
---|---|
Permit type : Building permit | Expiry (from date of issuance) : 180 days |
Permit type : Contractor trade permit | Expiry (from date of issuance) : 330 days |
Permit type : Homeowner permit | Expiry (from date of issuance) : 330 days |
Permit type : Development permit | Expiry (from date of issuance) : |
Your permit conditions will outline your commencement date. Commencement date is the day you must start construction by for the development permit to be valid. If you do not start construction by that date, you can request an extension of commencemen t .
If you are hiring someone to do the work for you, they will need to apply for the permit. Visit our hiring a contractor page to review the 5 steps to choosing a contractor.
An architect or professional engineer may be required to design and inspect your project. Refer to the current National Building Code – Alberta Edition, Division C, Section 2.4.2 or a consultant to determine if professional involvement is required. Where professional involvement is required, plans or documents must be stamped by the corresponding professional(s).
If your project requires engineer’s review, then a seal of professional engineer registered to practice in the province of Alberta for the proposed design should be provided. The engineer should be registered with APEGA- The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. Please visit APEGA website for professional engineer’s stamp authentication requirements.
The following information will help you prepare your building permit application, and make sure it meets the City’s requirements.
Accessory residential buildings (garages, sheds, pergolas, etc) are not permitted to be located in the actual front setback.
If the rear property line is shared with an alley or another property, the distance from the property line must be 0.6m (1.9ft) unless:
Land use district | Allowable coverage (%) | Parcel area Parcel width < 10 m | Parcel area Parcel width < 8.7 m | Parcel width > 11 m | Semi-detached / duplex | Row / townhouse |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R-C1L R-C1Ls | 40 | x | x | x | x | x |
R-C1 R-C1s R-C2 R-1 R-1s R-MH R-CG* | 45 | x | x | x | x | x |
R-C1N | 45 | 50 | x | x | x | x |
R-1N | 50 | x | 60 | 45 | x | x |
R-2 | 45 | x | x | x | 50 | x |
R-2M | 45 | x | x | x | 50 | 60 |
*Parcel coverage rules for R-CG change as density increases. |
Note: If the aggregate area of all accessory buildings is under 10 m 2 (107 sq. ft.) those structures will not contribute to parcel coverage.
To calculate lot coverage, you will need to divide the footprint area of all applicable buildings by the property size. (Total building area ÷ property area) × 100 = lot coverage %. Tip: You can use a Real Property Report (RPR) as your site plan. The lot dimensions will be located on the document.
Calculation: (Total building area ÷ property area) × 100 = lot coverage per cent
house: | 77.2 m 2 |
covered deck*: | 9.3 m 2 |
shed: | 10.2 m 2 |
proposed garage: | + 40.8 m 2 |
Total building area | = 137.5 m 2 |
total building area = 137.5 m 2 | × 100 = 41.47% |
property area = 331.52 m 2 |
If you have questions or need clarification on the Land Use Bylaw rules, or have general permit questions, please contact the Planning Services Centre.
Accessory residential buildings under 10 m² (107 sq. ft.) in area typically do not require a building permit, however, they must comply with the rules listed under where can you build? and what design rules do you need to meet?
When building within 0.6m (1.9 ft.) of the side property line, accessory residential buildings which are 10 m 2 (107 sq. ft.) or larger have the following requirements for fire-ratings and permitted locations of eave projections:
5/8" Type X drywall is required to be installed from floor to ceiling on all interior walls that are located within 0.6m (1.9 ft) of the side property line.
Eave projections are not permitted within 0.45 m (1.5 ft.) of a side property line shared with an adjacent property (excluding rain trough). All water drainage off the building must remain on the property. A non-vented soffit (underside of eave projection) is required for eaves within 1.2 m (3.9 ft.) of a property line shared with an adjacent property. If the eaves will project towards the lane instead, the roof trusses will likely be resting on the beam over the overhead garage door. If this is the case, you will need to provide a copy of the beam calculations or manufacturer’s truss layouts when you apply for a building permit. The National Building Code (Alberta Edition) has specific distance requirements for eaves and soffits, as demonstrated in this diagram:
Temporary tent garages on residential properties do not require a building permit, however; they must comply with the rules listed under where can you build? and what design rules do you need to meet? Note: tent garages are not considered maintenance free structures, so the setback rules apply.
Although a building permit is not required for a parking pad, if you plan on pouring a parking pad for the purpose of building a garage in the future you should consider the location after reviewing the rules listed under where can you build? and what design rules do you need to meet? If your garage slab will have an area bigger than 55 m 2 (592 sq. ft.), and does not have a concrete foundation that is 1.2m below grade, you will need a concrete slab designed by a professional engineer. Please refer to Building Regulations Bulletin 2014-011.
If your renovation has previously been finished without proper permits, you can still apply for the permits after the work has been completed.
For an electrical permit, when the work has been concealed by drywall, you are required to follow the concealed wiring procedure. A homeowner’s permit cannot be issued for concealed wiring completed without proper permits. To have the inspection done, the owner must hire a licensed electrical contractor. The contractor will have to obtain an electrical permit and check that the wiring complies with electrical codes. However, the homeowner is responsible for any previously concealed electrical wiring. Note: There is a possibility the inspector may ask for drywall to be removed to complete their inspection.
If your renovation has previously been finished without proper permits, you can still apply for the permits after the work has been completed.
For a plumbing permit, when the work has been concealed by drywall, you are required to follow the concealed plumbing procedure. A homeowner’s permit cannot be issued for concealed plumbing completed without proper permits. To have the inspection done, the owner must hire a licensed plumbing contractor. The contractor will have to obtain a plumbing permit and check that the plumbing complies with plumbing codes. However, the homeowner is still responsible for any previously concealed plumbing. Note: There is a possibility the inspector may ask for drywall to be removed to complete their inspection.