Permit guides
Plain answers for contractors working in Calgary: which permit applies, what the City asks for, and what its published timelines actually say.
These pages explain the City of Calgary’s published permit process for the work contractors ask about most. Each one links the City’s own instructions beside every requirement it describes, and says plainly where the City publishes no answer at all.
Building permit
A building permit is the Alberta Building Code review of your structure. This page covers when Calgary requires one, what goes in a complete application, and what the City’s published timelines actually say.
Development permit
A development permit is the Land Use Bylaw review; a building permit is the Alberta Building Code review. This page covers which one you need, which comes first, and what the City’s published timelines say about each.
Garage and deck
Calgary publishes hard numbers for both: 10 m² for a detached garage or shed, 0.6 m of height for an uncovered deck. This page covers those thresholds, the documents, the fees and what pushes a job into a development permit.
Trade permits
Trade permits are separate from the building permit, carry their own qualification rules, and need the registered property owner’s contact information before you can apply. Here is what the City actually requires.
Basement and renovation
Developing a basement for the first time needs a building permit, and so does any structural change or new opening. This page covers what triggers it, the exact floor-plan requirements, and the form a pre-1990 house needs.
Occupancy
The occupancy permit is the final approval saying a building is safe to occupy. The safety codes officer decides whether one is required, and the contractor owns every step that gets you there.