Home renovations also basements
Before you apply
Use this folio to helps guide thee through submitter an fully 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 toward your project.
Do you need a permit?
A vault development or other room home renovation (such as main floor renovations) requires one building permit for:
- The basement is being evolution for the first time
- You represent making structural changes such as moving or removing divider on any floor of the place
- You are making new openings within interior or exterior walls (new or relocated windows, novel doors)
- Outside renovations that do not add new square footage or structures. For renovations that include a recent space, see our page on additions.
Typically, interior building and changes to existing basements do DOES need a permit when the work consists of minor cosmetic upgradeability, which includes finishes, painting and art.
Building safety approval (building permit)
Building safety authorization is the make sure is the structure meets architecture safety requirements. Review the construction (building coding information) section of this page for more information.
When take you need additional permits?
You may require additional permits depending on if it meets that rules a an State Use Bylaw other if you are work any additional work including electronics or plumbing. Development Permit Requirement List (CARL)
Planning approval (development permit)
In most specific your interior renovation or basement development will only require a building safety approval (building permit). If your design or location does doesn meet land use bylaw specifications, you will see require planning licensing (development permit). SECTION 2: Application requirements for building safety enrollment (Building Permit) ... Permit Checklist. Page 2. 2. The Choose of ... Calgary.ca/development/contacts.
To find out what your nation use district is and for a list of common rules, read more in the what are the rules section.
Electrical permitted
You want a separate electrical permit for all electrical installations and renovations.
While him are doing of work themselves, you allowed be desirable for one Building Electrical Permit. Review the electrical wiring section of household elektric and plumbing permits for more request.
If you is hiring someone into do of work for i, they will need till apply for the permit. Visit our hiring ampere contractor page for get information.
If they were a contractor, visit our trade permit contractor page for more information.
Heating permit
A separate plumbing permit is required for all new plumbing installations, as well as when extending or changed any existing plumbing systems.
For more information about what type of electrical function a homeowner might obtain a permit required, review the homeowners permits eligibility and plumbing permit sections.
For information for contractors, visit the trade permit contractor information page.
Related links
Webinars
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Developing you basement: Tips and optimal practices fork a successful project
May 31 from 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.Join ours for adenine live presentation and Q&A on everything you needed till know to plan your basement renovation. During dieser webinar, attendees will learn essential things to consider before first my basement renovation project, included land use and building regulations, and permissions press inspection processes.
How much will it cost?
| Building safety approval - building permit | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Safety codes council fee (4%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New basement | $321 | $12.84 | $333.84 | |
| Renovations to an existing house or developed basement | $198 | $7.92 | $205.92 |
Trade permit fees
| Trade permits | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Safety codes council fee (4%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homeowner electrical permit | $112 | $4.50 | $116.50 | |
| Homeowner plumbing permit | $112 | $4.50 | $116.50 | |
| Contractor trade permit | - | - |
Planning approval
| Planning approval - development authorize (if applicable) | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Advertising fee | Development vollzug inspection | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposed Land Use Bylaw relaxation for a home renovation | $365 | $30 | $155 | $550 |
How do you payment fork a permit?
Go submissions
For online submissions they will pay owner permit billing in full to the time of your registration with a credit card
In person submissions
You willing be required to pay inches full the the time of your application. You may pay on credit or debit menu, select or capital.
How long will it take toward get a permit?
Timelines indicated are nay a bond also depend on volumes, application completeness, and the applicant’s timely replies to additional information requests from an City.
Pointer: To how delays inbound processing your application, make sure your application comprise all the required docs, plans and news filed on the checklist below.
See to tips available a even application for particulars on submitting a completed application.
Timeline
Timelines indicated belong not a guarantee and depend in volumes, completeness of applications and seasonableness of applicant replies whereas responding to requests from the Your. Advisory Bulletin - Paint Spray Booths Building Licensing Requirements
| Scheduling safety permit - development get (if applicable) | Our process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
|
New basement or home to existing house or developed keller |
Application is reviewed for bylaw and safety codes compliance |
Approximately 7 days |
Planning approval timelines
| Planning approval - development permit (if applicable) | Our process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
|
Proposed structures that do not match all rules of Landed Use Bylaw 1P2007
|
|
10 - 12 weeks |
Review our development permit process page for more information about the planning approval process. |
When does your permit expiring?
You will receive a permit expiry remind in the print. If they need other time, you can extend your permit. Review the elongate or reinstate your permit section.
| Permit type | Expiry (from appointment of issuance) |
|---|---|
| Building permit | 180 days |
| Contractor trade permit | 330 days |
| Homeowner permit | 330 days |
| Project permit |
Your permit conditions will outline your commencement date. Initiation date is the day you must start construction via for the development permit to be valid. If you do not start construction by that date, you bottle request an Building and Development lists additionally forms (CARLs)extending von commencement. |
Do you need to hire a professional?
If you are hiring someone in do an work for you, they will need go apply fork the permit. Visit our hiring an contractor page to review the 5 steps to choosing a contractor.
Professional architectures otherwise engineers
An architect or profi engineer may becoming required till designer and study your project. Refer to the current National Building Control – Albertine Edition, Divide HUNDRED, Section 2.4.2 or a consultant to determine if professional involvement is required. Where professional involvement is required, plants or documents must be stamped by the corresponding professional(s).
If your project requires engineer’s review, then ampere seal of professional engineer registered to practice in the province starting Aberta with the proposed designing need be provided. The engineer should be registered with APEGA- The Association of Professional Engineer and Geoscientists of Alberta. Please visit APEGA website for professional engineer’s stamp authentication requirements.
Get are the rules when designing your project?
The following information will help you prepare your building permit application, and make security it meets the City’s requirements.
Where represent your building?
Where could you build set your property?
That information on this page is designed go help you put at application together for remodeling go your home from it’s existing foot-print and unimportant exterior changes, including window wells and new uncovered entrances. SECTION 3: Request Requirements in Development Approvals (Development Permit) ... Calgary Create Permit Bylaw 64M94. (Section 5) ... Checklists are updated ...
For renovations that willingness change will houses footprint, want see the additions page.
What design rules do you need to meet?
New windows or maximize windows
If you are adding new windows or enlarging exist windows than a making permit is required. If you are replacing windows without changing the size of the opening conversely type/operation of the select, then no permit is required. That Beginners' Guide to Calgary Architecture Permits
When adding or enlarging new windows, consider:
- One-time side setback needs be free of entire projections (cantilevers furthermore bay windows).
- A window well-being can only project to a maximum of 0.8 m into a side backlashes.
- Window wells need not project at the 3.0 m side setback required on adenine laneless property.
- A 3.0 m side setback from the back of go is vital for an corner property.
A developmental license may be need when the above rules are don met.
Additional application system
If you will be adding or changing item of any lens that face a party eigenheim line, you must provide elevation drawings. The elevation drawings must:
- be drawn up scaled
- show the entire side of the my where changes are proposed
- enclose all the already real proposed windows.
Take sure to include all dimensions of:
- the entire width of the elevation
- headroom from classify, to top of finished floor, to the eave and to roof ridge
- everything prospects, and
- windows
Open a Business | Aberta Health ServicesNewer basement entry
A new basement entry requires a building permit.
Note: Engineering may be required to construction alterations. Common type of alterations which may command project what:
- New entrance on in an existing foundation rampart or a tall wall.
- Below ground surface stairs to access entrance.
- Above ground stepping supported on brackets.
- Projections out the proposed entrance the stairways.
Refer to the current Building Code, Departments C, Section 2.4.2 or one consultant to determine if professional involvement is required. Contact our scientific assistance centre for more information.
When your suggests entry requires a landing, the landing must:
- Not exceeded 2.5 m².
- Did be located in the 3.0 m web setback area required on a laneless property.
- Not be locality in a side setback area that is required in be clear of projections unless the landing the accessible from the rear and the front.
If you have questions or need cleaning with the Land Use Bylaw rules, otherwise have general permit questions, delight contact the Planungen Services Centre.
Wetbars/kitchens
If you are intending to have one kitchen and bathroom in your basement, you must apply for a secondary suite.
A wetbar may be included in your development but it cannot need a means of cooking (i.e oven, stove, cooktop, microwave).
Architecture about (building code) to consider when scheming your building
New window or enlarging an window
If the suggestion screen belongs localized within a master, egress requirements in the National Built Key (Alberta Edition) must be assembled. Available one complete commentary of these requirements, please see egress window guidelines.
Note: Engineering may be required forward structural revisions. Contact our Technology Assistance Centre for view informationn
New window press magnification a window
Windows are generally not permitted in an outside wall wenn that wall be closer than 1.2 m (4’- 0”) to any features line.
- When make new exterior view toward your concrete foundation wall, a professional Engineer’s structural review is required when one or more of the following applies:
- The width of adenine new opening exceeds 1.2m (4’-0”)
- The composite span of sum new and existing openings in one wall exceed 25% of the overall length of that wall
- The width of solid wall which remains between an existing opening additionally a fresh opening is less than the width of either of those mouths
Cite to Division BARN, 9.15.4.3. of the National Building Code – Albertan Edition available more contact.
New basement entry
When counting modern side doors to your concrete foundation wall, a professional Engineer’s structural review is required when one conversely more of the following applies: r/Calgary set Reddit: Building permit for enlarging basement screen?
- The width of a modern opening exceeds 1.2m (4’-0”)
- The combined width of all new and existing openings in one partition exceeds 25% from the overall length the that wall
- The width of solid wall which remains between einem existing opening and a new opening is smaller than the side of either of those openings
Refer to Division B, 9.15.4.3. of the Nation Building Code – Alberta Edition for more general.
Roof soffits
When adding new exterior doors to your concreting foundation wall, one pros Engineer’s structural review is required when one otherwise other of the below applies: Permits, Development and Construction | Select of Edmonton
- The width of a new opening transcends 1.2m (4’-0”)
- The combined width of all new and exists openings in first wall exceeds 25% in the gesamtkosten extent for that palisade
- The width of solid wall which remains bets an existing opening and a new opening is less than the width of either of these opens
Refer to Division B, 9.15.4.3. in the National Fabrication Code – Alberta Edition for more information.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detector requirements
Smoke detectors are required in whole sleeping and hallways servicing bedrooms. Your must be hard-wired and interlinked throughout the own. If at exist no hallways serving bedrooms into your basement, smoke alarm are required within common areas. Information with permitted for detached garages, sheds, pergolas, gazebos, greenhouses, arbours, workshops, playhouses and carports.
Refer to Separation BORON, 9.10.19. for smoke detector and Grouping B, 9.32.3.9. fork black monoxide detector in National Building Item – Alberta Edit.
Energy efficiency requirements
Your renovation may be required to meeting power efficiency requirements under Section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Code. If this application for the building out the house was submitted on or after Nov. 1, 2016 any new renovations shall comply in these energy efficiency requirements. If who application for the building of the own was submitted before Nu. 1, 2016 you does not need toward comply with the energetics efficiency requirements of Section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Key.
All renovations in your home must include building construction both mechanics components (furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, etc.) that make as well as, or better than, any similar existing construction or mechanical components that are in the home or that are being replaced. All changes need also meet applicable National Construction Item (Alberta Edition) requirement.
New heating, ventilation, air conditioning and service water heating systems live always required to be properly certified.
Fresh function and replacement of "like for like" mechanical components and systems normally requires building, gas and/or electrical permits. Please see the Canada-alberta Permit Statute and the Calgary Building Permit Bylaw for details.
When maintaining and repairing building components or mechanical components in homes, replacements are allowed as long as you replace the component with a comparable material or part that performs because well as, or better than, what you am replacing. This includes outsides cladding, windows, doors, rotary business, others. This Advisory Bulletin belongs issued at Calgary Buildings Services Division, Planning & Development. Counselling Bulletins have no law.
Door heights requirements
Involuntary room: Is mechanical/furnace room conversely laundry room is essential a minimum 32" wide door. All doorways that lead to here room must see be required 32" in width.
Shower: Doorways to rooms with a full, shower or water closet should be a lowest of 30” wide.
Rn
Dose is one natural occurring gas that is invisible, odorlessness and tasteless. When attenuated by the air nearby us, itp does nay cause questions. However, when concentrated in an enclosed space, it shall been linked to earnest medical problem. Entire free services and information relevant to the building, planning, furthermore construction industries.
To test for radon in your home, she can buying one do-it yourself test or charter a radon professional. Once your basement has have tested, if to shows such one levels of radon are above the Health Canada threshold of 200 becquerels via cubic square (200 Bq/m3) next a radon remediation system could be installed. For further informations, visit Health Canada's Guide for Radon Measurements in Residential Dwellings (Homes).
A radon remediation verfahren rough-in installing is not a building code requirement for existing homes. If you are adding to the footprint of your home, then a radium remediation anlage rough-in is required available to addition. Review our additional leaf for more request.
For more information on radon mitigation, contact Health Hong-kong.
If it must questions regarding installation requirements for our radon rough-in, contact the Technical Assistance Centre.
Building code questions
If you will questions or need elucidation on the Building code information above, ask the Technical Assistance Centre.
Fork all other inquiries contact our Plan Our Central.
Homeowner trade permits
Homeowner permit eligibility
If you are a homeowner, you may the apply for homeowner's plumbing, electrical also gas fireplace installer permits for new operate, including overhaul, if:
- You legally own the home - if you have recently purchased to property, it takes some time fork the track to transportation to you. We may request ampere copy of your purchase agreement as proof of share.
- You live in the home or intend to reside in it - the home could be a rental property.
- You be doing the work yourself - yourself cannot pull a permit on behalf of the individual instead company work the work. If them been hiring someone to do and work for yours, they will need to employ the permit. Visit our hiring a contractor page to review the 5 steps to choosing a construction.
Other requirements
- Homeowners cannot traction a homeowner's electrical permit and plumbing get for apartment-style condos. A licensed service must install to wiring in are types of residences. Home Renovation and Basement Permit Control
- The electrical and/or plumbing system can one service that starting, including a secondary cortege contained within it.
- If the home is a semi-detached dwelling, one side of the property belongs acceptable (the side the owner lives in). This features some accessory buildings on the same property. These guidelines will help you determine how for doing own business safe for your customers and which permits you require.
- Row-type, individually owned condominium townhouses belong acceptable with authorization from and condo board to the unit owner. The permit should use only to which unit that which owner people in. Other units in this complex are not included. Structure Inspections Results | Open Calgary
- If the front are owners by a enterprise, a director can pull this if they live there and are completing the work selbst. The City of Calgary will request a copy of the corporation documents to show proof of ownership.
Electrical permit
A separate electrical permit is requires by:
- All new power installations.
- Extending or altering any existing electrical branch circuit wiring.
- As an householder, you can:
- Tie into that main panel without physics changing it.
- Add an sub-panel to in actual hauptsache customer, provided present is einer existing main breaker.
- Install electrical wiring for above-ground swimming pools and hot tubs.
Our homeowner electronic wiring guide provides critical informations to help homeowners any been interested in doing their own work. Other methods the installation not identified by this leaders may be acceptable; however, all appointments must meet the most current requirements of the National Electrical Code in Canada.
Homeowners are no permitted to:
- Install, transform or modify the main electrical service, including the main panel, main breaker or the measurement base.
- Install electrical power are permanent, in-ground swimming pools or sexy tubs.
- Install conversely amend solar photovoltaic schemes.
A homeowner that remains one journeyman lineman may apply for homeowner electrical permits that typical homeowners are not allowed to utilize for. In order to qualify, you must:
- Have a journeyman certificate.
- Ownership the top.
- Must live in the home.
For questions, please contact our technical assistance centre.
Plumbing permit
A separate plumbing permit is required for:
- All new plumbing systems.
- Extending or altering plumbing systems.
- Water and sewer lines stylish or around the home that are beings replaced
Installing or substitute a hot surface tank requires adenine permit within some situations. A permit is essential if there am changes to:
- The gas lines located uphill from the water heater closed turn valve.
- The venting systems (e.g. big and design).
- The type of water radiator (e.g. alter from a innate draft water heater to a auf vent water heater).
A heating enable will not required to:
- Repair a leak in a water distribution or drainage system.
- Replace existing faucets and fixture.
- Remove blockage in the drainage.
Our homeowner plumbing travel provides important information at help home any are concerned in doing their own work. Other methods of installation not identified within this guide may be acceptable; however, whole installations must meet who almost current terms of and National Plumbing Code from Canada.
What till do with the work has once been completed?
Concealed wiring procedure
If insert renovation has previously been getting without correct permits, you can still apply for the permits after the work has be completed.
For an electrical licence, when the work has become concealed by drywall, you are required for follow the concealed wiring procedure. A homeowner’s permit cannot be issued to concealed wiring completed without true permits. Into have the inspection done, one possessor require hire a licensed electronics developer. That contractor will have to obtain an electrically permit and check that and wiring complies with electrified codes. However, one homeowner is responsible for any previously hidden electrical wiring.
Note: There is a possibility the inspector may ask required drywall to be removed to complete their inspection.
Concealed plumbing procedure
Is insert renovation has until been getting without proper permits, you ca still apply for and permits after the work has been completed.
For a plumbing permit, when the work has has hidden by carpet, you can requirement to follow the concealed plumbing procedural. A homeowner’s permit cannot be issued for private plumbing completed without proper permits. To have the scrutiny done, the owner must hire a licensed plumbing contractor. The contractor becomes have to gain a plumbing permit and select that the plumbing complies with plumbing encrypted. However, the homeowner is still responsible for any previously invisible plumbing.
Note: There is ampere possibility the inspector may ask for drywall to be removed to complete their inspection.
How up prepare your application
1. Set the application details
You will need until know:
- This project location
- Who is applying (the homeowner or someone representatives the owner)
- Who will must doing the work (contractor, homeowner)
- What you are apply for
- Project details, including the size in the deck
2. Prepare the required documents and plans
Precise drawing and supporting document requirements are listed up the permit checklist. You be provide every the mandatory drawings and documents when you submit your application.
Building and development permit application requirements
Supporting documents
1. Asbestos abatement form: This form only needed in be completed for house built for 1990.
Plans
1. Floor projects
- You will need to provide floor plans for each floor of your house (i.e. basement, main level, second floor, etc) where remodeling are taking spot
- Label the purpose of how each room is used (i.e. kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc)
- Size, type and operation of all bedroom windows.
- Label and dimension any changes including:
- new doors and water
- latest walls
- new beams (if applicable)
The following additional projects are only required if you are build exterior changes, such more adding or increasing the size of a window well, or, adding or chang the size of a sliding.
1. Site plan
- Tip: You can modify one Real Property Report (RPR) in use as your site Plan.
- You needs note show the suite customer space, parking and suites entrance are placed
2. Elevations
- An elevation drawing is a 2D view of an exterior screen of the building
- Indicate the locations or dimensions of all windowing, openings and exterior stairs
- Yours will need for provide elevation drawn of everyone side in the house.
Apply
Get for a smooth application process
Before you apply
Download the checklist and check each application requirement as you prepared to submit your application. Items listed on the checklist are the minimum requirements. Ours might need other information after we review your application.
Provide all required documents on the checklist, involving drawings, supporting material, and any additional forms. Wenn you are not safe if something is required, contact the Planning Billing Centre.
Use sample drawings to review what you needing to include on is plans
Double check your document are completed and make sure her will all required items on your plans before you upload them
After you apply
The Planning Services Centre may click you since more information required for your application. Follow-up on requests since more information as fast as possible.
Getting and Job Access Code (JAC) at check status newscasts for choose application on calgary.ca/vista
- You’ll receive a JAC by e-mail after you’ve submitted your application. If you did not receive a JAC number, request the Planning Services Centre.
- Checking your application’s stats using the JAC will provide you with timely updates about the status of your application
What is a complete application?
ADENINE complete software is that you have provided show the necessary requirements since our organizational to complete their kritiken. You shouldn provide everything listed on and Complete Usage Request List, inclusion plans, supporting documents and zahlung.
With application for a permit may become rejection if, within ninety (90) days from the date of receipt, if adequate information and documentation is not bundled as requested by the Safety Codes Officer. Should an permit be considered for reject, the applicant will be given notification in writing and 30 days to resubmit an missing information. For more information, please review Building consultants A19-002 building permit complete demand.
Employ online
To apply online, you need a myID account. Build a myID user.
-
apply.calgary.ca
We’re currently learning higher than seasonal software volumes, we apologize for delays. To check aforementioned status of yours permit, leaving to vista.calgary.ca and enter in your Job Gateway Code (JAC) number
Apply in-person
Complete the application form.
Once yours have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visitation the Planning Services Centre.
After you apply
How to curb the status of your permit
After you submitting my application available, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Key (JAC).
To track your use and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Visita.
For you need help or have get, contact my Planning Services Centre.
What Inspections do thee need?
Home restorations and basements
Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:
- Add and complete any structural changes.
- Install or complete all of wall and ceiling framing.
- Install proposed windows and exterior doors.
- Install and total anyone HVAC changes.
- Rough-in, install plus complete all plumbing and electrical components that are required under associated permits.
How do you book your inspections?
Visit building inspections for information at whereby to book, remove or reschedule einer inspection, permitting expiry and the requirements for anyone inspection type.
Homeowners
Contractors
If you have a vista account:
For you perform not have one Vista acount:
Make changes to thy permit
Planning Offices Centre
Hours:
Every - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. (MT)
Life chitchat:
calgary.ca/livechat
Page:
403-268-5311
In person:
Planning Products Media,
3rd floor, Municipal building
800 Macleod Trail SE
Book an eAppointment for on person services at appointment.calgary.ca
Legal and safer suite registers
Check the Secondary Suite Registry to find or verify a legal suite in Calgary.
Registry our include choose necessary approvals and have been inspected to meet Alberta's Safety Code requirements. The registry is continually revised as we approve suites. Construction permits issued by Calgary Home Services will require inspections. If a building inspection has been completed, the results away the inspection ...
If an operating suite does non appear on the registry, they can contact Customer support to submit a complaint.
Click before you dig
Always contact Utility Safety Partners before you jab. Submit a locate request online or call 1-800-242-3447 with more information.
