What Does the City of Calgary Require for a Building Permit for a Legal Basement Suite?

If you're considering adding a legal basement suite to your home in Calgary, preparation is key. Understanding the difference between a legal and secondary suite — and what the city requires for each — can help you avoid delays, added costs, or compliance issues down the road.

A legal basement suite is a self-contained residential unit within a home that meets Alberta Building Code, Fire Code, and City of Calgary Land Use Bylaw standards. This includes having proper permits, inspections, and zoning approvals in place. While many older homes in Calgary may have secondary suites, not all are legally recognized. Ensuring your suite is legal not only protects your investment but also ensures safety for future tenants and peace of mind for you as the homeowner.

What the City of Calgary Looks for in a Legal Basement Suite Application

When applying for a building permit, the City of Calgary requires a detailed set of documents and plans. Here’s a breakdown of the most important elements to include:

1. Site Plan

Think of this as similar to a Real Property Report (RPR). The site plan should clearly show:

• Location of the suite’s entry (is it a separate exterior entrance or shared?)

• Amenity space designated for the suite (such as a backyard patio or private area)

• Dedicated parking for the suite (must meet bylaw requirements for off-street parking)

2. Elevations

You’ll need to provide elevation drawings of all sides of your home. These show the external appearance of the building and indicate where new windows, doors, or entry points will be added or modified.

3. Floor Plans

Detailed floor plans are required for every level of the house, not just the basement. These should include:

• Room dimensions and usage (e.g., kitchen, bedroom, bathroom)

• Labels for doors and windows, including sizes

• Indication of whether windows/doors are new or existing

• Clearly labeled suite area, separate from the main dwelling

For new basement suites, special attention should be given to window size and placement, especially for bedrooms, as they must meet egress (emergency escape) requirements.

Be Prepared — And Let Us Help

The City of Calgary allows plans to be hand-drawn or professionally prepared, but they must be clear, accurate, and to scale. Having well-prepared plans significantly increases your chance of a smooth and timely permit approval process.

At LBProjects, we know what the City of Calgary is looking for — and we’re here to help. Whether you're starting with a concept or ready to build, we can help you prepare everything you need for your legal basement suite permit application. Let’s make your basement renovation legal, functional, and stress-free.