Secondary suite permit costs and timelines
How much will your permit(s) cost?
| Building safety approval - building permit | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Safety codes council fee (4%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legalize an existing secondary suite | $198 | $7.92 | $205.92 | |
| Build a new secondary suite | $402 | $16.08 | $418.08 | |
| New backyard suite | $1252 | $50.08 | $1302.08 | |
| Suite registry | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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 permit (if applicable) | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Advertising fee | Development completion inspection | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Existing secondary suite development permit New secondary suite development permit New backyard suite development permit |
$0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Homeowner trade permits
Homeowner permit eligibility
If you are a homeowner, you may to apply for homeowner's plumbing, electrical and gas fireplace installation permits for new work, including renovations, if:
- You legally own the home - if you have recently purchased the property, it takes some time for the title to transfer to you. We may request a copy of your purchase agreement as proof of ownership.
- You live in the home or intend to reside in it - the home cannot be a rental property.
- You are doing the work yourself - you cannot pull a permit on behalf of the individual or company doing the work. If you are hiring someone to do the work for you, they will need to apply the permit. Visit our hiring a contractor page to review the 5 steps to choosing a contractor.
Other requirements
- Homeowners cannot pull a homeowner's electrical permit and plumbing permit for apartment-style condos. A licensed contractor must install the wiring in these types of residences.
- The electrical and/or plumbing system can only service that home, including a secondary suite contained within it.
- If the home is a semi-detached dwelling, one side of the property is acceptable (the side the owner lives in). This includes any accessory buildings on the same property.
- Row-type, individually owned condominium townhouses are acceptable with authorization from the condo board to the unit owner. The permit would apply only to the unit that the owner lives in. Other units in the complex are not included.
- If the home is owned by a corporation, a director can pull this if they live there and are completing the work themselves. The City of Calgary will request a copy of the corporation documents to show proof of ownership.
Electrical permit
A separate electrical permit is required for:
- All new wiring installations.
- Extending or altering any existing electrical branch circuit wiring.
- As a homeowner, you can:
- Tie into the main panel without physically changing it.
- Add a sub-panel to an existing main service, provided there is an existing main breaker.
- Install electrical wiring for above-ground swimming pools and hot tubs.
Our homeowner electrical wiring guide provides important information to help homeowners who are interested in doing their own work. Other methods of installation not identified in this guide may be acceptable; however, all installations must meet the most current requirements of the National Electrical Code of Canada.
Homeowners are not permitted to:
- Install, alter or modify the main electrical service, including the main panel, main breaker or the meter base.
- Install electrical wiring in permanent, in-ground swimming pools and hot tubs.
- Install or alter solar photovoltaic systems.
A homeowner that is a journeyman electrician may apply for homeowner electrical permits that typical homeowners are not allowed to apply for. In order to qualify, you must:
- Have a journeyman certificate.
- Own the home.
- 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 in or around the home that are being replaced
Installing or replacing a hot water tank requires a permit in some situations. A permit is required if there are changes to:
- The gas lines located upstream from the water heater shut off valve.
- The venting system (e.g. size and design).
- The type of water heater (e.g. changing from a natural draft water heater to a direct vent water heater).
A plumbing permit is not required to:
- Repair a leak in a water distribution or drainage system.
- Replace existing faucets and fixtures.
- Remove blockage in the drainage.
Our homeowner plumbing guide provides important information to help homeowners who are interested in doing their own work. Other methods of installation not identified in this guide may be acceptable; however, all installations must meet the most current requirements of the National Plumbing Code of Canada.
What to do if the work has already been completed?
Concealed wiring procedure
If your renovation has previously been finished without proper permits, you can still apply for the permits after the work has been completed.
For an electrical permit, when the work has been concealed by drywall, you are required to follow the concealed wiring procedure. A homeowner’s permit cannot be issued for concealed wiring completed without proper permits. To have the inspection done, the owner must hire a licensed electrical contractor. The contractor will have to obtain an electrical permit and check that the wiring complies with electrical codes. However, the homeowner is responsible for any previously concealed electrical wiring.
Note: There is a possibility the inspector may ask for drywall to be removed to complete their inspection.
Concealed plumbing procedure
If your renovation has previously been finished without proper permits, you can still apply for the permits after the work has been completed.
For a plumbing permit, when the work has been concealed by drywall, you are required to follow the concealed plumbing procedure. A homeowner’s permit cannot be issued for concealed plumbing completed without proper permits. To have the inspection done, the owner must hire a licensed plumbing contractor. The contractor will have to obtain a plumbing permit and check that the plumbing complies with plumbing codes. However, the homeowner is still responsible for any previously concealed plumbing.
Note: There is a possibility the inspector may ask for drywall to be removed to complete their inspection.
How do you pay for a permit?
How long will it take to get a permit?
Timelines indicated are not a guarantee and depend on volumes, application completeness, and the applicant’s timely replies to additional information requests from the City.
Tip: To avoid delays in processing your application, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information listed on the checklist below.
See the tips for a smooth application for details on submitting a complete application.
Approval timeline
| Building safety approval - building permit | Our process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
|
Legalize an existing secondary suite |
Application is reviewed for compliance with the land use bylaw and safety codes |
Approximately 7 days |
Planning approval timelines
| Planning approval - development permit (if applicable) | Our process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
|
Legalizing an existing secondary suite Build a secondary suite Build a backyard suite
|
|
10 - 12 weeks |
Review our development permit process page for more information about the planning approval process. |
When does your permit expire?
You will receive a permit expiry reminder in the mail. If you need more time, you can extend your permit. Review the extend or reinstate your permit section.
| Permit type | Expiry (from date of issuance) |
|---|---|
| Building permit | 180 days |
| Contractor trade permit | 330 days |
| Homeowner permit | 330 days |
| Development permit |
Your permit conditions will outline your commencement date. Commencement date is the day you must start construction by for the development permit to be valid. If you do not start construction by that date, you can request an extension of commencement. |
Do you need to hire a professional?
If you are hiring someone to do the work for you, they will need to apply for the permit. Visit our hiring a contractor page to review the 5 steps to choosing a contractor.
Professional architects or engineers
An architect or professional engineer may be required to design and inspect your project. Refer to the current National Building Code – Alberta Edition, Division C, Section 2.4.2 or a consultant to determine if professional involvement is required. Where professional involvement is required, plans or documents must be stamped by the corresponding professional(s).
If your project requires engineer’s review, then a seal of professional engineer registered to practice in the province of Alberta for the proposed design should be provided. The engineer should be registered with APEGA- The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. Please visit APEGA website for professional engineer’s stamp authentication requirements.