Changes to existing buildings
Before you apply
Use this page to help guide you through submitting a complete application. We will explain when you need a permit, what permits you need, what your application requirements are and go over some common rules relating to your project.
Do you need a permit?
Building safety approval (Building permit)
- Any construction being done, including alterations, relocation, repair or demolition to structural and non-structural walls. If you’re making changes to mechanical, plumbing, gas or electrical work, you may need a building permit and additional trade permits.
- There’s a change to the business activity resulting in a new building code classification or occupant load (ex. a warehouse changes to a vehicle repair shop). Even if there is no construction planned, you may still need a building permit.
- When upgrading or installing new mechanical equipment to meet building code (ex. a car detailing business to an engine repair business, using a forklift in a warehouse may require additional ventilation, adding or modifying cooking equipment).
- You are the first tenant in a new building.
- Alberta Health Services must review the application. Some examples are restaurants, daycares, pools, hair salons, massage centers, tattoo parlors, and nail salons.
For more information for when a permit is required can be found in the permit regulation. This regulation establishes rules governing building, fire, gas, electrical and plumbing permits.
A building permit is not required when the above criteria does not apply to your application, and the scope is wholly cosmetic (painting or furniture).
Review how to prepare your application for more information on preparing your application.
When do you need additional permits?
You may require additional permits depending on if it meets the rules of the Land Use Bylaw or if you are doing any additional work including electrical or plumbing.
Planning approval (Development permit)
Any changes to a commercial or industrial space will need to have the appropriate Planning approval in place before the Building Permit can be issued. We recommend applying prior to making your building permit application. All building permits undergo a use review upon submission to confirm that this Planning approval is in place before proceeding to further review.
NOTE: If you’ve already applied for your building permit and no previous approvals have been applied for, then your building permit will remain on hold until the appropriate Planning approvals have been granted. .
A Development permit may be required if:
- you are changing how the space or building will be used
- if the space does not have the appropriate Planning approvals for your proposed activities
- if you are making exterior changes that do not match the approved Development Permit for the building
Please note that Development Permits are not guaranteed to be approved.
For more information on Development Permits, read the Land use Bylaw section.
If you are unsure if you need a development permit, contact the Planning Services Centre.
Trade permits
Separate trade permits are required for each trade (ie electrical, plumbing, gas and HVAC) and will need to be applied for by the appropriate trade contractor. Read more about hiring a contractor.
Contractors looking for more information can review the Trade Permit contractor information page for more details.
How much will it cost?
| Building safety approval - building permit | Fee schedule | Permit fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Varies - based on construction costs |
Use the building permit fee calculator to estimate your fees |
Watch our webinar
-
Navigating the approval process for commercial multi-family projects
Webinar recordingWatch a recorded Q&A on everything you need to know before starting your building permit application. Learn about common building permit application mistakes for altering a commercial space and what your clients need to know about development and building permits before renting a commercial space.
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| Planning approval - development permit (if applicable) | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Advertising fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change of use – permitted | $190 | $190 | ||
| Change of use – permitted with relaxation OR discretionary | $594 | $30 | $624 |
How do you pay for a permit?
Online submissions
For online submissions with large permit costs, there is a deposit process in place that limits the amount paid online.
Permit fees under $10,000
Permit fees under $10,000 must be paid in full when submitting your application. |
Permit fees over $10,000
For building permit fees over $10,000, only 25% of the base permit fee will be charged as an initial deposit, up to a maximum of $10,000. If 25% of the building permit base fee exceeds $10,000, you will be contacted to make payment for the remaining permit fee balance and any applicable additional fees (i.e. partial permit, lot grades, SCC, etc.)
For example, if 25% of the permit fee is $25,000, you will pay a $10,000 deposit online and our Cash Office will contact you the next business day to make the payment for the remaining $15,000 of the deposit.
Please note: the remaining permit fees must be paid in full prior to the partial permit of the full permit being issued. To pay the remaining total, please choose one of the payment methods listed below and reference your permit number.
| Payment method | Our process |
|---|---|
| By credit card |
Additional payments can be
made via credit card over the phone. In order to make payment over
the phone by credit card please call 403-268-5311. |
| By cheque | Cheques can be made payable to: “The City of Calgary”. Cheques can be mailed in using the mailing address below: The City of Calgary Attention: Planning Cashiers - 8108 PO BOX 2100 STN M Calgary, AB T2P 2M5 |
| By electronic funds transfer (EFT) | If you would like to pay by electronic funds transfer you will select the payment option upon application. No fees will be processed at the time of the application intake. The Planning cash office will contact you the next business day and provide you with instructions to complete the EFT payment. |
In-person submissions
When submitting your application in person, payment is due upon the time of submission. There are several different methods of payment accepted for this method of submission listed below.
| Payment method | |
|---|---|
| By credit/debit card |
Payment can be made via
credit and debit card at the time of submission of your application. All
major credit card types are accepted. |
| By cheque | Cheques can be made payable to: “The City of Calgary”. Cheques can be mailed in using the mailing address below: The City of Calgary Attention: Planning Cashiers- 8108 PO BOX 2100 STN M Calgary, AB T2P 2M5 |
| Cash | Payment by cash is only accepted in-person. Cash payment will not be accepted if sent via mail. |
There are two payment options to choose from when applying for your permit in person:
Option 1: Submit payment for 100% of the permit fees up front.
Option 2: Pay 25% of the permit fees up front. This option is only applicable for applications over $10000. Please note, the remaining permit fees must be paid prior to the building code review and partial being issued. Applications missing fees are considered incomplete until full fees are paid.
In order to pay the remaining total, please choose one of the above payment methods and reference your permit number
How long will it take to get a permit?
To avoid delays, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information listed on the checklist and review the information about
| Building safety approval - building permit | Our process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Interior renovations |
Application is reviewed to ensure it
matches the approved development permit and reviewed for safety codes
compliance |
Typically, between 21 and 49 days
*Varies based on complexity and completeness of application. |
Development permit
| Permit type | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Advertising fee | Total | Our process | Timeline | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Permitted change of use |
$190 | - | $190 | - | 5 business days | 1-3 years to commence depending on the type of development permit and land use district | |
| Permitted with relaxation or discretionary change of use | Planning applications fee schedule | $594 | $30 | $624 |
60 days to decision + 21 days advertisement/appeal period
*timelines are subject to change based on circulation requirements |
10-12 weeks | 1-3 years to commence depending on the type of development permit and land use district |
When does your permit expire?
You will receive a permit expiry reminder in the mail. If you need more time, you can extend your permit. Review the extend or reinstate your permit section.
| Permit type | Expiry (from date of issuance) |
|---|---|
| Development permit | 1-2 years to begin construction |
| Building permit | 180 days |
| Contractor trade permit | 330 days |
Will you need professional involvement?
Professional architects or engineers
An architect or professional engineer may be required to design and inspect your project. Refer to the current Building Code, Division C, Section 2.4.2 or a consultant to determine if professional involvement is required. Where professional involvement is required, plans or documents must be stamped by the corresponding professional(s).
What are the rules when designing your project?
The following information will help you prepare your building permit application, and make sure it meets the City’s requirements.
Where are you building?
Some rules may depend on the land use district (zone) you live in. Use the address search below to find your zone.
Land Use Bylaw information
All commercial and industrial spaces in Calgary require Planning approval to ensure compliance with the City of Calgary’s Land Use Bylaw. This approval is based on the land use district (commonly referred to as zoning) and what the proposed activities of the space will be. The Land Use Bylaw also sets rules for building form, density, and location.
The Land Use Bylaw specifies a list of allowable uses for each land use district based on what the intent is for that location. Uses will be listed as either permitted or discretionary, but if the use is not listed in a land use district, that activity will not be allowed to operate from that location.
How the space is used will determine what use or uses best fit your business. Types of Planning approval include Permitted Change of Use, Permitted with Relaxation Change of Use, and Discretionary Change of Use.
If you are making changes to the exterior of a building, be aware that changes to the how the building looks will often require a new Development Permit or Revised Plan. Changes to the parking or other elements of the property will require a Changes to Site Plan Development Permit.
If you are unsure if your scope of work requires a development permit, contact the Planning Services Centre.
Permitted or Discretionary? What’s the difference?
Permitted or Discretionary? What’s the difference?
In the Land Use Bylaw, Uses are defined as either being Permitted or Discretionary in a Land Use District.
Permitted means that, if a use meets all the rules of the bylaw, it must be approved. The uses listed as permitted were intended for this location and have little to no impact on the surrounding community.
Permitted with Relaxation means a use that is permitted but requires a relaxation of one of more bylaw rules. Evaluations are done on a case-by-case basis to determine if the relaxation is appropriate and how it impacts the surrounding community.
Discretionary use means that the use needs to be reviewed and is evaluated against several factors including applicable policies, appropriateness of the location, the compatibility of the use with others in the surrounding area, access, parking, servicing, and sound planning principles. Each submission is reviewed on its own merit at the time of application as discretionary uses have a higher impact on the surrounding community.
Development permit
You may need a development permit to operate from your preferred location if your proposed business activities do not match the current approved use. This is called a change of use development permit. You may need a development permit for other reasons, including some exterior and interior changes to the space.
Sometimes, even if your business is listed as permitted, your business activities require a relaxation to the bylaw rules. This is considered permitted with relaxation change of use and takes longer to process than a permitted change of use.
Contact the Planning Services Centre if you are unsure if the changes in operations will require new approvals.
How to apply
You can apply for your Change of Use Development Permit before, at the same time as, or after your business licence (Licence) application. We recommend applying before your Licence.
Checklists
Sample drawings
Review the sample drawings to help prepare your application.
Fees, timelines and expiry
| Permit Type | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Advertising fee | Total | Our Process | Timeline | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Permitted Change of Use |
$190 |
- |
$190 |
- |
5
business days |
1-3
years to commence depending on the type of development permit and land use
district |
|
|
Permitted with Relaxation or Discretionary Change of Use |
$594 |
$30 |
$624 |
60 days
to decision + 21 days advertisement/appeal period *timelines
are subject to change based on circulation requirements |
10-12
weeks |
1-3 years to commence depending on the type of development permit and land use district |
*Review our Development Permit Process page for more information about the planning approval process.
To avoid delays, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information as indicated on the checklist.
Contact the Planning Services Center to determine the current approved "use" for your proposed address.
Alberta Building Code information
This information assists business owners and contractors understand and implementing general Alberta Building Code requirements for commercial building permits. Commercial spaces must comply with the Land Use Bylaw as well as minimum requirements established in the National Building Code - Alberta Edition, including applicable standards for safety of the public and building occupants, health, accessibility, energy, fire, and structural integrity. Commercial spaces must also comply with the Alberta Fire Code also known as the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition). Businesses are responsible for following the rules and regulations of all applicable governing bodies prior to using the space.
Business owners and contractors should consult a design professional before financially committing to a location. The cost to make necessary upgrades or changes may be expensive. The City of Calgary does not determine who should coordinate or pay for upgrades.
Some activities have very specific code requirements, including restaurants.
Building code classification
Business activities are associated with a type of occupancy and governing building classification in the Alberta Building Code. Classification is determined by building size (footprint area and number of storeys), construction type (wood or concrete and steel), the need for a sprinkler and fire alarm system, and type of occupancy.
Depending on how the building is classified, changes and upgrades may be necessary to accommodate the proposed activity. For example, a building without sprinklers may be suitable for a retail store, but not suitable for a restaurant when taking into consideration the size, construction type, and mechanical ventilation.
Knowing the building classification will assist with design and construction, by helping to determine:
- Fire ratings of walls, floors, mezzanines and roofs
- Construction type (combustible, non-combustible or combination of both)
- If sprinkler and fire alarm systems are required
The Alberta Building Code also determines:
- Maximum occupant load
- Barrier free accessibility and washroom design
- Required exiting
- Fire alarm and detection requirements
Due to the complexity of interpreting the classification, you may need to engage with a consultant that can conduct a building code analysis in order to identify the building classification and the rules related to that class before preparing your plans and documents.
Ensure your building classification is clearly indicated on your plans. Providing this information reduces delays in your application review.
Code classification descriptions
On your building permit application, you must indicate one of the following building occupancies:
Assembly: a space (e.g. arena, theatre, restaurant, day care) where people gather for civic, political, travel, religious, social, educational, recreational or similar purposes, including consumption of food or drink
Detention: a space where people are held under restraint or are not self-sufficient due to security measures
Care: a space (e.g. hospital, assisted living, nursing home) where medical treatments occur, including surgery, intensive care, and emergency medical intervention; OR a space where daily patient/resident monitoring and support occurs to assess daily functioning and cognitive awareness; the facility may also book appointments for residents, provide reminders of those appointments, provide supervision pertaining to medications and nutrition, and intervene in the event of an emergency
Residential: a space that includes sleeping accommodations such as an apartment or hotel; please note this category excludes sleeping accommodations for the purpose of care, treatment and/or involuntary detention
Personal service/office/business: a space (e.g. banks, beauty salons, dental offices, medical offices) used for business transactions, including provision of professional or personal services
Mercantile/retail: a space including, but not limited to, exhibition halls, department stores and markets that are used to display or sell retail goods
Industrial: a space used for the assembly, fabrication, manufacture, processing, repair or storage of goods and materials
Please see the Alberta Building Code for exact wording of each category. The above information is intended to provide a general summary.
Barrier free design
Codes addressing accessibility, or barrier-free design, allow safe access to buildings and facilities for all people. Reasonable access to facilities is required to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to be active, independent, and safe within the community.
The rules for barrier-free design are in section 3.8 of the National Building Code (Alberta Edition).
Access design standard - is required to be applied ONLY on City of Calgary owned / operated facilities – please speak with the project manager for the City owned project you are working on for details
If the physical layout of the building makes it difficult to provide barrier-free access and/or facilities, you can apply for a relaxation with Alberta Municipal Affairs.
National Energy Code of Canada for buildings
If you are constructing a new building or an addition (including second floors and mezzanines), your design will need to comply with the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) or the Alberta Building Code section 9.36.
Buildings that were constructed to meet the National Energy Code still require compliance when undergoing renovations or improvements. This may include:
Building envelope: requirements for roofs, walls and windows to control heat loss and air leaks.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC): efficiency of heating and cooling equipment
Water heating: efficiency of equipment and controls
Lighting: number and type of lighting fixtures and controls
Visit National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings for more information about how it may affect your business.
How to prepare your application?
1. Prepare the application details
You will need to know:
- The project address
- Who is applying (the contractor, designer, architect, owner, etc)
- What the proposed scope of work is
- Project details, including the size and classification of the building
- Type of business that will occupy the building
2. Prepare the required documents and plans
Use the prompts below to prepare the correct documents and plans for your application.
What changes are you making to the space?
- The space is existing and only interior changes are proposed: commercial interior partitioning
- NEW! Guide to a complete application – commercial, multi-family alterations: D & E occupancy
- NEW! Partial Permit Intake form. For detailed information on obtaining a Partial Permit, click here to access the user guide on how to apply.
- The space is existing, and there will be exterior changes: exterior alterations
- There was a fire and the space needs to be repaired: repair after fire
- The space is exiting, or being renovated to be used as a Restaurant: tenant improvements for restaurants and food establishments
- A new retaining wall is being built, spanning multiple lots: retaining wall - (spanning two or more lots)
Some projects may qualify for quick release. The checklists below outline which projects may be considered for quick release.:
- Commercial: office interior renovation
- Commercial: fire alarm repair/upgrading
- Commercial: parkade repairs
- Commercial: demising walls
- Commercial: interior partition removal
Note: Quick release applications are still required to undergo a Land Use review to confirm that Planning approval has been obtained for the changes to the space. If the Land Use review is not met, Planning approval will need to be obtained. Review the Land Use Bylaw information for more details.
What information do I need to include in my building permit application?
When you apply for a building permit you will need to include a variety of information and documents. Depending on the type of building permit you are applying for, a building permit application requirement list, complete application requirement list or a guide to a complete application outlines what information and documentation you need to include in your application.
The apply section below provides additional tips on submitting a complete application, including sample drawings
What is a building permit application requirement list?
A Building Permit Application Requirement List is for projects that qualify for quick release. They are checklists to help you ensure you submit all the necessary information to evaluate, review and issue your application in a timely manner.
What is a guide to a complete application?
A guide to a complete application will help improve the quality and completeness of building permit applications. This will help us review and issue your building permit quickly.
If you do not understand the information within the guide, we recommend you hire a professional to assist you with your project. Qualified professionals include architects, engineers and interior designers licensed to practice in Alberta. Sometimes an architectural technologist or draftsperson may be able to assist you.
When should I use a guide to a complete application?
Currently, the guide to a complete application only applies to commercial, multi-family alterations for D & E occupancies. According to the National Building Code – Alberta Edition:
- D occupancies are business and personal services.
- E occupancies are mercantile businesses, like retail stores.
If your project is not for either of these types of occupancies, you will use one of the building permit application requirement lists above or a complete application requirement list (CARL).
If you do not understand the information within the guide, we recommend you hire a professional to assist you with your project. Qualified professionals include architects, engineers and interior designers licensed to practice in Alberta. Sometimes an architectural technologist or draftsperson may be able to assist you.
Apply
Tips for a smooth application process
Before you apply
Download the checklist and check each application requirement as you prepare to submit your application. Items listed on the checklist are the minimum requirements. We might need more information after we review your application.
Provide all required documents on the checklist, including drawings, supporting material, and any additional forms. If you are not sure if something is required, contact the Planning Services Center.
Use sample drawings to review what you need to include on your plans
Double check your documents are completed and make sure you have all required items on your plans before you upload them
After you apply
The Planning Services Centre may contact you for more information required for your application. Follow-up on requests for more information as quickly as possible.
Use the Job Access Code (JAC) to check status updates for your application on calgary.ca/vista
- You’ll get a JAC by e-mail after you’ve submitted your application. If you did not receive a JAC number, contact the Planning Services Center.
- Checking your application’s status using your JAC will provide you with timely updates about the status of your application
What is a complete application?
A complete application means that you have provided all the necessary requirements for our teams to complete their reviews. You should provide everything listed on the complete application requirement list, including plans, supporting documents and payment.
An application for a permit may be refused if, within ninety (90) days from the date of receipt, if adequate information and documentation is not supplied as requested by the Safety Codes Officer. Should a permit be considered for refusal, the applicant will be given notification in writing and 30 days to resubmit the missing information. For more information, please review Building Advisory A19-002 Building Permit Complete Application.
Where can you apply for your permits?
Apply in person
To apply online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account.
Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visiting the Planning Services Centre. |
After you apply
How to check the status of your permit
After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Code (JAC).
To track your application and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Vista.
If you need help or have questions, contact our Planning Services Centre.
What inspections do you need?
Building permit inspections you will need
Commercial building permits
Please note that the inspection process is dynamic, and an inspection outcome depends on the construction method and site conditions at time of inspection.
Please contact the Technical Assistance Centre for more information. or visit building inspections.
If you’ve applied for the following trade permits, you will need these inspections:
Electrical trade permits
Please note that the inspection process is dynamic, and an inspection outcome depends on the construction method and site conditions at time of inspection.
Please contact the Technical Assistance Centre for more information. or visit building inspections.
Plumbing trade permits
What you need to complete before you call for each plumbing inspection:
Rough-in inspection
- Install and complete all plumbing drainage and venting.
- Install and connect water lines to the rest of the water distribution system.
- Properly support all drains, vents, and water lines.
- Install the bathtub/shower valve.
Final inspection
- Install and ensure all fixtures and equipment are ready for use.
- Ensure the bathtub and shower water temperature does not exceed 49 degrees Celsius.
- Seal all piping designed for future fixtures with an approved plug or cap.
- Provide a shut off valve for all toilets.
HVAC/Mechanical trade permit
Following an inspection, The City’s safety codes officer (SCO) may identify corrective action to comply with the National Building Code (Alberta Edition). In place of a re-inspection, the SCO may provide an option to submit a verification of compliance (VOC).
Inspection information
How do you book your inspections?
All contractors can book inspections online through the inspections booking system.
Our enhanced inspections booking system provides a more streamlined experience for contractors to better manage their inspections. Contractors can book, reschedule or cancel their inspections all through the online tool.
Please note, inspections can be booked up to 10 business days in advance and occur Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The City continues to do our best to accommodate booking requests, however some dates may be unavailable due to inspection capacity.
Do I require an occupancy inspection?
An occupancy permit is the final approval indicating that the building is safe to occupy. The building safety codes officer will review the scope of work to determine if an occupancy permit is required. If required, the building safety codes officer will provide an application for occupancy form to the general contractor at the time of inspection. If occupancy is granted, the building inspector will leave the signed occupancy permit with the contractor on site. New businesses will need to arrange for a business licence after they have received their occupancy permit.
Visit building inspections for information on how to book an inspection, cancel or reschedule, permit expiry and the applicable requirements for each inspection type.
What to do if you want to make changes?
What happens if you need to extend your permit?
Planning Services Centre
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (MT)
Live chat:
calgary.ca/livechat
Call:
403-268-5311
In person:
Planning Services Centre,
3rd floor, Municipal building
800 Macleod Trail SE
Book an eAppointment for in person services at appointment.calgary.ca