Calgary Site Servicing Bylaw Checklist for New Builds
This checklist helps builders, developers and permit applicants meet site servicing and infrastructure requirements for new construction in Calgary, Alberta. It summarizes common municipal standards, typical submission items for development and building permits, inspections and compliance steps to reduce delays at plan check and construction stages. Use this as a procedural aide alongside official City of Calgary technical manuals and the applicable land use or development permit conditions to confirm specific dimensions, materials and connection requirements.
Key site servicing and infrastructure items
Most new-build projects must address utility connections, on-site drainage, grading and stormwater management, road access and frontage improvements, and any off-site servicing required by a development permit or subdivision approval. Typical checklist items include:
- Construction security or performance deposits as required by conditions
- Servicing drawings signed and stamped by a professional engineer
- Sanitary, storm and water connection details and tie-in notes
- Grading and drainage plan and erosion control strategy
- Inspection access and staged inspection schedule for site servicing works
- Record drawings and as-built submission requirements
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of site servicing and infrastructure standards in Calgary is carried out by the City departments responsible for Planning & Development, Development Engineering and Calgary Building Services or the specific utility owner where delegated. Where a development or permit condition requires works, failure to comply can result in administrative orders, holdbacks on occupancy, invoiced completion by the City or legal action; specific monetary fines and daily penalties for noncompliance are not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Monetary fines or fees: not specified on the cited page
- Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, compliance orders, City-completed works charged to owner, refusal or revocation of occupancy/use
- Enforcer and complaints: Planning & Development, Development Engineering, Calgary Building Services; complaints and inspection requests use official City contacts
- Appeal/review: appeals may be directed to statutory appeal bodies or tribunals where applicable; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page
Applications & Forms
Most projects require development permits, building permits and associated servicing agreements or letters of assurance from a professional engineer. Where the City requires a servicing agreement, forms and templates are published by the City; specific form numbers and fees are not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Development permit application package: include servicing drawings and supporting reports
- Fees and securities: deposit and fee amounts are set at permit or subdivision approval and may vary by project
- Submission: apply through the City of Calgary permit portals or as directed by the project planner
Typical inspection and compliance workflow
- Pre-construction meeting with Development Engineering or project coordinator
- Staged inspections during servicing installation
- Submission of as-built drawings and certificates for release of securities
- Final inspection and clearance before occupancy or registration
How-To
- Confirm applicable land use rules and servicing obligations with your assigned City planner and Development Engineering contact.
- Engage a professional engineer to prepare stamped servicing and grading drawings and required reports.
- Submit development and building permit applications with full servicing packages and pay applicable fees.
- Schedule pre-construction meetings and inspections with City inspectors as required by permit conditions.
- Complete works to the approved drawings, request inspections, and correct any deficiencies identified.
- Submit as-built drawings and request release of securities once works are accepted.
FAQ
- What triggers a servicing agreement for a new build?
- A servicing agreement is triggered when off-site or on-site infrastructure improvements are required as a condition of subdivision or development approval.
- Who inspects site servicing works?
- City inspectors from Development Engineering or Calgary Building Services inspect servicing works per permit conditions and staged inspection requirements.
- How do I report noncompliant servicing works?
- Report concerns through official City complaint or 311 channels so the matter can be assessed and an inspector assigned.
Key Takeaways
- Start servicing consultations early to avoid redesigns.
- Provide complete, stamped drawings to speed permit approvals.
- Noncompliance can result in orders or City-completed works charged to the owner.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Calgary - Land Use Bylaw and planning guidance
- City of Calgary - Permits and approvals
- City of Calgary 311 - report a concern or request an inspection