Apply to add a secondary suite in Calgary
How do I apply to build a new basement or secondary suite in Calgary?
A new Calgary secondary suite requires a building permit. Electrical and plumbing work need the relevant trade permits, and the property's land-use rules can trigger a development permit.
Application steps
- Use the address tool on the City's guide to identify your land-use district and check whether development approval is needed.
- Review the suite design requirements, including entrance, escape windows, fire separation and the site arrangements shown on plans.
- Complete the City's application checklist and gather drawings, supporting forms and applicable trade-permit information.
- Apply at apply.calgary.ca with myID, or submit the application and documents at the Planning Services Centre.
- Use the Job Access Code to monitor Vista and respond to City requests before proceeding with permitted work.
- Arrange framing and final inspections, plus required trade inspections. Do not conceal work that must be inspected.
Before you open the official service
- Property and land-use details
- Suite plans
- Completed application checklist
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
Existing-suite legalization and backyard suites have separate guides. This record does not determine whether a specific property or completed suite qualifies.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Official sources
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.