Building permits in Calgary

Calgary requires a building permit for any covered deck and for an uncovered deck higher than 0.6 m above grade at any point; an uncovered deck at or below 0.6 m does not need a building permit.

Calgary accessory residential buildings over 10 m² require a building permit. Buildings under 10 m² typically do not, while an attached structure is treated as an addition and follows the addition permit route.

Calgary requires a building permit for first-time basement development, structural changes and new wall openings; minor cosmetic upgrades to an existing basement or interior generally do not need a building permit.

Calgary states that adding a secondary suite requires a building permit and a separate electrical permit; development and plumbing permits can also be required depending on the property and work.

Calgary states that all additions to a home always require at least a building permit, including covered structures such as a covered deck, porch, attached garage or sunroom.

Calgary requires a building permit for interior renovations involving structural changes or new wall openings, while minor cosmetic upgrades such as finishes and painting generally do not need one.

Calgary says structural changes such as moving or removing walls require a building permit; engineering may also be required for structural alterations.

Calgary typically requires a permit for a hot tub, pool or similar project capable of holding more than 0.6 m of water; most such projects need a building permit plus an electrical permit, with development approval possible for location/design issues.

Calgary requires a building permit for a detached garage or similar accessory building over 10 m²; an attached garage is treated as an addition and follows the addition permit route.

Calgary requires separate permits for new or altered plumbing systems and regulates electrical, gas and HVAC work through trade permits; the exact permit depends on the system and scope.

Calgary generally does not require a building permit for a fence, but a development permit can be required when a rear-yard fence exceeds 2 m, a front-yard fence exceeds 1.2 m, a corner-visibility fence exceeds 0.75 m or a gate exceeds 2.5 m.

Calgary requires a retaining-wall permit when a wall retains 1.2 m or more of soil and the combined height of retaining walls/garden boxes within 1 m is 1.2 m or more. Other planning approval can also apply.

Calgary requires demolition permits for buildings and many demolition scopes, with published exceptions for certain unserviced detached residential garages/accessory buildings and some replacement scenarios.