Examples of pre-inspection documents include:

• Quick trench photos - provide before requesting the pre-backfill inspection on a single construction permit (new house construction). If you applied through ePermit, upload the photos. All photos must be in .pdf format.
• Soil bearing report- provide before requesting the pre-board phase inspection on a single construction permit (new house construction).
• Hydronic heating certified design - if you are installing hydronic heating, upload the certified design documents to ePermit. For permits that are not applied through ePermit, email your documents to plumbing and gas inspection prior to the inspection with the permit number. Otherwise, ensure you have a hard copy on site at the time of inspection.

When your inspector arrives, you will need:

• Access to approved drawings
• Permit conditions
• Equipment manuals

If there are structural changes, you may need an onsite engineer field review. If required, it will be listed in your permit conditions.​​​​

Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:

• The garage must be at lock-up stage, where all doors and windows are properly installed, with the building secure and the site safe.
• Garages can be built into the side yard, close to the property line. Fire rating standards must be completed, with fire-rated materials installed. 
• The garage inspection can occur when the project is complete, or at the framing stage when doors and windows are installed.
• Rough-in, install and complete all electrical components that are required under associated permits.

Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:

• Complete the deck structure, handrail and stairs.
• Ensure there is access to the structural components under the deck such as beams, posts, and joists.

Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:

• Install and complete any structural changes.
• Install and complete all the wall and ceiling framing.
• Install proposed windows and exterior doors.
• Install and complete any HVAC changes.
• Rough-in, install and complete all plumbing and electrical components that are required under associated permits.

Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:

• Complete the retaining wall.
• Install guards.

Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:

• Install and complete any structural changes.
• Install and complete all the wall and ceiling framing.
• Install proposed windows and exterior doors.
• Install and complete any HVAC changes.
• Rough-in, install and complete all plumbing and electrical components that are required under associated permits.
• Do not install insulation, vapour barrier or drywall over any work that requires inspection prior to concealing.

Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:

• Install and complete and structural changes.
• Install and complete the wall and ceiling, and as well the framing for the fireplace.
• If fire rating is required, please ensure it is in place for the inspection.
• Install fireplace as per manufacturer’s installation instructions. Do not drywall or cover up until inspection has been completed.
• Install and complete all the walls and ceiling, and framing.
• Any gas lines that run to a fireplace must be done on a separate gas permit. Please be aware that an Alberta-certified journeyman gas fitter must install gas lines.

Final inspection requirements:

Hot tubs:

• Hot tubs must be ready to use.
• Locking cover is complete.

Pools:

• The pool must be ready to use.
• Fence and gate requirements are complete.

Two inspections are required.

Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:

• Install and complete any structural changes.
• Install and complete all the wall and ceiling framing.
• Install proposed windows and exterior doors.
• Install and complete any HVAC changes.
• Rough in, install and complete all plumbing and electrical components that are required under associated permits.
• Have requested documentation on site.
• Do not install insulation, vapour barrier or drywall over any work that requires inspection prior to concealing.

Final inspection requirement:

The construction should be completed and the suite should be ready for occupancy.

All work requires a permit. If you don't obtain a proper permit and work has been completed; obtain the proper permit and call for an inspection. The building permit application can be submitted by the homeowner. The applicant must follow the same requirements as an application for new work. This process may require any work concealed by drywall to be exposed for inspection.

Visit calgary.ca/homeimprovement for information about your project.

Contractor trade permits, like electrical, plumbing, gas, or mechanical, must be obtained by a contractor if the work has been concealed. We cannot issue a homeowner's trade permit for work that was previously completed without the required trade permit. The homeowner must hire a licensed trade contractor to have the work inspected. The contractor must obtain the required permit and confirm that the work complies with all applicable codes. However, the homeowner is responsible for any previously concealed work.

There are different inspection types. Review the requirements for your project.

A City of Calgary Safety codes officer or development inspector will complete a review and note all deficiencies. An inspection may have one of the following outcomes. For more information about the coordination of multiple permits, read about permits and the review process.

Permit Services Reports are produced once all inspections are completed. The report summarizes inspection outcomes and explains the resulting permit condition(s). Permit Services Reports are available upon request to property owners and permit holders. To request a Permit Services Report log into VISTA or contact the Planning Services Centre.

The inspector may ask you to submit documents following an inspection. For example, during an inspection, the inspector will identify items that must be corrected to comply with the applicable codes and standards. In place of a re-inspection, the inspector may provide an option to submit a verification of compliance (VOC). This document lists the infractions found during the inspection. Once the deficiencies are fixed, the property owner, property owner representative, or contractor, shall sign and submit the VOC to The City.

Please see your verification of compliance (VOC) form for submission options. If submitting via ePermit, upload the signed VOC.

The city's inspections team ensures that development aligns with necessary approvals, including the Land Use Bylaw, the Municipal Government Act, and any other applicable legislation. We rely heavily on education and awareness to encourage compliance. When necessary, however, we may issue stop work orders, violation tickets, and/or take other legal action.

To make a complaint regarding Land Use Bylaw infractions, please contact the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311 or chat with us.

Construction sites

Safety is our number one priority. As a member of the Coordinated Safety Response Team, we collaborate with the provincial government and law enforcement to investigate and respond to potentially unsafe sites. Please visit Calgary construction and public safety for more information.

Rental units

Complaints related to building safety issues in a rental unit can be investigated by contacting 311. Before calling, please:

• Ensure you provided written notification about your concern to the landlord.
• Be prepared to provide us with the landlord’s telephone number.
• Arrange access to the property for the safety codes officer.

More information for landlords and tenants is available through the provincial government and The Centre for Public and Legal Education Alberta. Learn about minimum housing and health standards.

More information is also available about filing other types of complaints with The City.

These inspections are conducted by a safety codes officer for work which has been started without the proper permits. If there are infractions, the inspector will issue warnings or potential fines until the necessary permits are obtained.

To file a complaint regarding work without a permit, please contact 311​ or download the Calgary 311 mobile app. To follow up on a notice regarding building without a permit, please contact the inspector listed on the notice document.