Planning Services Counter 3rd Floor Municipal Building800 Macleod Trail SEMonday – Friday8:00 am – 4:30 pm403-268-5311

Calgary.ca/pd

Contact 311

calgary.ca | contact 311

We can help answer your questions about City building,

development and permit requirements.

Ensuring Safe Communities for Calgarians The City of Calgary wants citizens to be safe where they live and work. To ensure safe properties for our families, tenants and neighbours, all property repairs, renovations and construction work must meet the requirements of Alberta’s Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Gas Codes as well as City bylaws.

If you’re considering a home renovation or improvement project at your property, ensure you know what

permits are required, and have us inspect that work for safety.

Common Home Improvements Projects:Basement DevelopmentA Building Permit is required to develop a basement for the

personal use of the occupant (i.e. family room, bathroom, etc.)

and will likely require trade permits to complete electrical, gas

and heating requirements.

Garages & ShedsAll stand alone garages and sheds over 10 square meters (107

sq ft.) in area require a Building Permit. Trade permits for

electricity, gas and heating may also be required.

DecksDecks are one of the most popular home improvement projects

that Calgarians make to their home. Visit our online Build a Deck

tool to fi nd out if you might require a permit:

calgary.ca/decks

Residential AdditionsAny addition to your home will require a Building Permit and in

some cases a Development Permit. Examples include increasing

your living space, sunrooms, carports and covered porches.

Visit calgary.ca/bpcarls for all our home improvement brochures.

HOMEOWNERPERMITS, INSPECTIONS AND CONTRACTOR TIPS

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City Permits and InspectionsCity permits and inspections can be required for a number of home repairs, renovations or improvements that relate to:

• Natural Gas ( fireplaces, ranges, BBQ, garage heaters,hot water heaters,furnaces,etc.)

• Plumbing (adding to or altering a Plumbing system example: bathroom, laundry, sinks, fixtures etc.)

• Electrical (electrical panels, wiring, outlets etc.)

• Building (new basement, basement alterations, outdoor decks etc.)

• Retaining walls, detached structures, fireplaces and stoves, secondary suites etc.)

• Major renovations that include demolishing, rebuilding, additions, and floor plan changes may require a demolition, building or development permit.

A homeowner can do some repairs or additions, but in some cases it is recommended or required to use the services of a qualified, licensed contractor. In most cases, contractors complete the permitting and inspection steps on your behalf.

Permit responsibility Homeowners are responsible for ensuring permits were/are obtained and inspections completed.

You can check if any required permits and inspections have been completed at your address by contacting 311 or our Planning Services Call Centre. If no permit(s) have been obtained where required, an application can be created and an inspection booked to ensure the result is safe and meets applicable codes.

Permits timelines The length of time it will take to obtain the permit(s) you require can vary depending on your personal plans and what type of permit(s) is required. To limit any delays, your qualified contractor can apply for most trade permits online for any simple repair, renovation or improvement you might be undertaking. They can also initiate the required inspections. Speak with your qualified contractor to determine who is applying for permits and inspections.

Technical Assistance Centre Our Safety Codes Officers can provide information and technical assistance in relation to applicable Alberta codes (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Natural Gas and Propane).

A number of commonly asked technical questions can be found on calgary.ca/tac, along with an online inquiry form for additional questions.

Tips before hiring a Contractor Contractors are required to hold a valid City of Calgary business licence, and The City has the authority to suspend or revoke this licence during a Licence Review Hearing.

Contractors that hold a business licence have met The City’s licensing requirements and are able to obtain construction and trade permits.

For more contractor tips, or to check if a contractor has a business licences visit calgary.ca/homerenos.

TIPS ON HIRING A CONTRACTOR:

Check that they have a valid, City of Calgary business license. Use our online tool at calgary.ca/homerenos

Draft a contract to clarify project scope, timelines, costs, plans etc. in writing

Ask for and follow-up with references

Ask to see proof of insurance in case of property damage and injury

After the work is completed, check your title for any liens placed on your property by the contractor or subcontractors for outstanding payments.

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Contractors requesting pre-payments or progress payment for work must be licensed with the Government of Alberta as a pre-paid contractor. You can verify by contacting the Consumer Contact Centre at 1-877-427-4088.

Additional resources:

• Better Business Bureau – bbb.org/calgary

• Canadian Home Builder’s Association Calgary Region – Renomark.ca/CalgaryRegion

• Canadian Home Builder’s Association – getitinwriting.ca