Secondary suites and backyard suites
What is a secondary suite?
A self-contained residence with two or more rooms and includes a kitchen, living, sleeping and sanitary facilities.
All suites must have:
- Bedrooms with proper egress windows
- A separate bathroom
- Separate cooking facilities
- An entrance that is accessible from outside without passing through the main dwelling unit. A shared stairwell is acceptable, but each unit must have a private entrance
Learn more about building, legalizing, and renting secondary suites in Calgary:
Suite Incentive Programs
The Suite Incentive Programs support safe housing for all. Applications to both programs closed as of Sept. 28, 2026.
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Learn more about the process of adding or legalizing your secondary suite and find answers to common questions.
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Make your existing suite legal and registered.
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Review the requirements for suites and learn how to apply.
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Review the requirements for backyard suites and learn how to apply.
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Learn more about permit fees and approximate timelines.
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Information for tenants on renting a safe and legal suite.
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Find or verify a legal and safe suite on our map
Secondary Suites Amnesty Program
If your suite was built prior to Mar. 12, 2018, you may qualify for reduced requirements.
The City of Calgary's Secondary Suite Amnesty Program ends Dec. 31, 2026. Homeowners who take advantage of the Amnesty before that date can avoid development permit charges and registration fees.
If you upgrade your suite through the Amnesty Program, you may also qualify for reduced building code requirements. Owners of a suite constructed prior to Mar. 12, 2018 must ensure their existing suite meets the minimum life safety requirements.
You can find more information in the Secondary Suite – Existing prior to March 12, 2018 advisory.
Safe Suite. Sweet Savings
The Secondary Suite Amnesty ends in: