Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits - Calgary Bylaws

Housing and Building Standards Alberta 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Alberta

In Calgary, Alberta, adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — often called an accessory suite or secondary suite — requires compliance with city bylaws, land-use rules and building code requirements. This article explains who is eligible, what permits are required, the documents and inspections you must submit, enforcement pathways and how to appeal decisions. It is intended for homeowners, landlords and developers seeking a compliant ADU under Calgary regulations.

Eligibility & overview

Whether your property can have an ADU depends on the land-use district and specific rules in the City of Calgary Land Use Bylaw. Before preparing plans, confirm that accessory suites are a permitted or discretionary use for your parcel and review development standards such as unit size, entrances, parking and separate utilities where required [1].

Start by checking your parcel's land-use rules before investing in detailed plans.

Required permits

Most ADU projects require at least a building permit; some also require a development permit if the use is discretionary or if the proposal varies from land-use rules. Building permit applications ensure the unit meets Alberta Building Code and safety standards; development permits ensure land-use and site requirements are satisfied [2].

Applications & Forms

  • Development permit application — name: Development Permit Application; purpose: request land-use approval where required; fee: see city fee schedule (not specified on the cited page); submission: online or at Planning counter as stated by the city.
  • Building permit application — name: Building Permit Application; purpose: ensure construction conforms to the Alberta Building Code; fee: variable by scope (fee schedule on city site); submission: online through the City of Calgary building permit portal [2].
  • Plans and drawings — site plan, floor plans, elevations, and engineered details as required for the building permit review.
  • Fees and levies — consultation of the city fee schedule is required; specific permit fees are not specified on the cited page.
If your lot requires a development permit, obtain it before submitting a building permit application.

Design, compliance and inspections

Design your ADU to meet the Alberta Building Code and any municipal site standards. Typical compliance areas include fire separation, egress, ventilation, insulation, plumbing and accessible exits. Building permit review may request revisions; inspections occur during construction and before occupancy.

  • Construction standards — follow Alberta Building Code requirements shown on the building permit guidance [2].
  • Inspections — request inspections at prescribed stages; final occupancy inspection required before renting or occupying the ADU.
  • Questions and pre-application meetings — contact Planning and Development or Building Services for guidance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of ADU rules and building code compliance is carried out by the City of Calgary's enforcement and building inspection authorities. Specific monetary fines, daily penalties or statutory amounts for non-compliance are not specified on the cited city pages; where exact fine amounts or escalation rules are required they should be confirmed directly with the city enforcement office [3].

  • Monetary fines — not specified on the cited page; check the enforcement or bylaw pages for exact schedules.
  • Escalation — first, repeat and continuing offence procedures and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions — orders to stop work, orders to remove or alter non-compliant structures, and court action are enforcement tools used by the city as described by enforcement policy (details on the enforcement page).
  • Enforcer and complaints — Building Services and Municipal Enforcement staff handle inspections, orders and complaints; contact information and complaint submission are provided on the city pages cited below [2][3].
  • Appeals and reviews — development permit decisions may be appealed to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board; appeal procedures and time limits are specified on the appeal decision notice and SDAB information pages.
Do not occupy an ADU until you have received final occupancy clearance from Building Services.

Applications & Forms

  • Where forms are required — development and building permit forms are published by the City of Calgary; if a specific form or fee is not listed on the cited page, it is not specified on that page.

FAQ

Can I rent an accessory dwelling unit in Calgary?
Yes, if the ADU has the required building and, where applicable, development permits and has passed final occupancy inspection.
Do I always need a development permit?
Not always; need depends on whether the accessory suite is a permitted use in your land-use district or whether variances are required—check the Land Use Bylaw and consult planning staff [1].
Where do I file an appeal if my permit is refused?
Appeals of development permit decisions are made to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board; follow the board's filing requirements and timelines.

How-To

  1. Check your property zoning and whether accessory suites are permitted in your land-use district [1].
  2. Contact City planning or request a pre-application meeting to confirm requirements and site constraints.
  3. Prepare site plans and building drawings that meet Alberta Building Code and city standards.
  4. Submit a development permit application if required, and then submit a building permit application with all required documents [2].
  5. Complete required inspections and obtain final occupancy permit before renting or moving into the ADU.

Key Takeaways

  • Start by confirming zoning and land-use permissions for your parcel.
  • Both development and building permits may be required—follow the city's application process.
  • Do not occupy until final inspection and occupancy permit are issued.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Calgary - Land Use Bylaw and planning information
  2. [2] City of Calgary - Building permits and inspections
  3. [3] Subdivision and Development Appeal Board - City of Calgary

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