Applying for a Secondary Suite

Check out Process Here: Calgary Secondary Suites

What is a secondary suite? Secondary Suites are self-contained living spaces located within a single-detached home or backyard. They have a separate entrance and an independent cooking, sleeping, and bath area. Suites can be located within a single-detached home, or in a backyard as a garden or garage suite. All legal and safe secondary suites require a parking space on the property and amenity such as a small green space or balcony for residents to enjoy. Types of Secondary Suites Before developing a secondary suite or bringing an existing suite up to code, you will first need to find out if secondary suites are allowed in your area; if your property is large enough; and if you can renovate to meet the necessary code standards. Does my Land Use District permit Secondary Suites? Who can apply for a secondary suite? In Calgary, Secondary Suites are only allowed in certain Land Use Districts as per the Land Use Bylaw 1P2007. When not allowed, a home owner has the right to apply for a Land Use Redesignation to allow a suite however; it must be approved by City Council during a regular public hearing. Enter your address below to find out if your home is zoned for a secondary suite. Are you planning to build this secondary suite within or on the same property as a single-detached home (does not include semi-detached or duplexes)? Yes No

There may be limits on the type and size of your secondary suite based on the dimensions of your property and the rules of the Land Use Bylaw. If you’re not sure what the Land Use District is for your home, enter your address in the tool above.

Is my property large enough to accomodate a Secondary Suite?

What does the application process look like?

If your property is not zoned for secondary suites, a Land Use Redesignation will be required. Typically these applications take about three to six months to complete and must be approved by City Council. The City is currently waving this application fee, when applying for a secondary suite.

A Development Permit is mandatory when creating a secondary suite. These applications typically take one to six months to complete. The Development Permit fee for all secondary suites is currently being waived. You may be eligible for Development Permit exemption if you are considering a basement suite. Once your development is approved, obtain a Building Permit to begin your construction or renovations. The time required to complete your secondary suite depends on your personal plans, but all construction must meet all Safety code requirements for occupancy to be approved.

What permits do you need? The requirements for your Secondary Suite will vary depending on where you live and on the nature of your project: Land Use Redesignation (if required, see above) - Application fee currently waived Development Permit (if required, see our Development Permit exemption page for details) Application fee currently waived Building Permit Applicable Trade Permit(s) - e.g. heating, electrical, plumbing, gas. Do I need to consider anything else? Safety & Building Codes Public Input Development Permit

How much will this cost? While developing a secondary suite is an investment that can pay for itself in the long run, typical costs might include application fees and hiring professionals to design and build your secondary suite. These costs can vary depending on your plans and requirements, but typical renovation costs could start at $10,000 or more. Please use the applicable fee schedule and fee calculation forms to work out the cost of the permits for your project. Following the completion of your secondary suite, additional costs such as property tax, insurance, and maintenance are things to keep in mind when considering a secondary suite for your home. Do I need to hire a professional? Secondary Suites can be complex projects and a professional may be needed. Learn more about the many important considerations when hiring a contractor for your project.