All work requires a permit. If you don't obtain a proper permit and work has been completed; obtain the proper permit and call for an inspection. The building permit application can be submitted by the homeowner. The applicant must follow the same requirements as an application for new work. This process may require any work concealed by drywall to be exposed for inspection.

Visit calgary.ca/homeimprovement for information about your project.

Contractor trade permits, like electrical, plumbing, gas, or mechanical, must be obtained by a contractor if the work has been concealed. We cannot issue a homeowner's trade permit for work that was previously completed without the required trade permit. The homeowner must hire a licensed trade contractor to have the work inspected. The contractor must obtain the required permit and confirm that the work complies with all applicable codes. However, the homeowner is responsible for any previously concealed work.

This phase of construction covers the foundation up to, and including, the subfloor, and prior to backfilling the excavation. This phase can be completed, and an inspection can be called under the partial permit, prior to the full permit being issued.

This phase of construction includes the following inspection types:

• Building foundation
• Electrical underground / quick trench
• Plumbing sanitary and storm / quick trench

All inspections must have passed in the previous phase to continue to this phase.

This phase of construction includes the following inspection types:

• Framing
• Gas rough-in
• Plumbing rough-in
• Electrical rough-in
• HVAC rough-in
• Development inspection (if the project has a related development permit)
• Radiant hydronic heating (as required)
• Basement development (as required)
• Wood burning stove or fireplace (as required)
• Gas fireplace (as required)

All documents required per the grade slip and permit conditions need to be available to the inspector. See inspection documents for more information.

Additional documents typically required at this inspection:

• Soil Bearing Report (SBR)
• Sulphate Resistant Concrete verification (SRC)

All inspections must be accepted from the previous phase to continue to this phase.

This phase of construction includes the following inspection types:

• Building final
• Gas final
• Plumbing final
• Electrical final
• HVAC final

Development inspection final (if the project has a related development permit).

These inspections are completed to confirm that the construction of the building conforms with the approved development permit. The house is checked twice during construction, once at the pre-board phase and once at the pre-possession phase, which is when the development completion permit is finalized.

Surveys confirming the geodetics must be submitted twice during construction:

1. Pre-board phase
   Building location and elevations match the approved development permit. Main floor geodetic elevation survey must be submitted to geodetic.review@calgary.ca
2. Pre-possession
   Roof peak geodetic survey must be submitted to geodetic.review@calgary.ca

See inspection documents for more information.

The following tasks must be completed before booking an inspection. Please note it is not necessary to have drywall installed for a final inspection.

Please review the green service label policy to determine if you require a green service label (sticker).

Rough-in requirements

• Have all wiring and interior of outlet boxes readily visible.
• Remove vapour barrier and insulation where it’s covering any wiring. The exception is for wiring fished into walls.
• All wiring must be supported.
• Remove outer sheath of wiring and terminate all wiring into outlet boxes and fixtures.
• Ensure all splices are made and all grounding is complete in outlet boxes and fixtures.
• Do not secure devices (plugs, switches) to outlet boxes. Leave all wiring and terminations visible.
• Cables may be terminated into the panel board, but wires should not be on breakers.
• Never energize exposed wiring.
• Rough and underground inspections should be combined.
• Expose the trench on at least one end to confirm depth.
• Access must be provided to all areas where electrical work has been completed.
• For secondary suites, use the secondary suite electrical load calculation sheet to ensure your current electrical service is adequate. When complete, please email the form to us. If the main electrical service must be increased from 60 amps, 100 amps, or 200 - amp service, ask your contractor to contact ENMAX.

Final requirements

• Do not have any exposed live wiring.
• Install all devices, receptacles and light fixtures.
• Any open outlet boxes or unfinished wiring must be properly secured and installed in a junction box with an approved splice cap and a junction box cover.
• Install, terminate and energize all breakers, if safe to do so.
• Complete the panel board breaker directory, all breakers must be labeled correctly.
• Access must be provided to all areas where electrical work has been completed.

For more information, review the homeowner electrical wiring guide.

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.

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).

The development completion permit (DCP) is a document issued by The City. It's issued after our inspection confirms that a development complies with the corresponding development permit, and is in line with the permit's previously approved plans and conditions. Please note the criteria for a development completion permit is different from that of a building occupancy.

Once you've received your demolition permit, you must provide secure site fencing and place your construction contact information sign on the fence.

Before demolition, the building must be inspected by a professional asbestos removal company. The applicant must either obtain confirmation that there is no asbestos or have the asbestos professionally removed. Visit the government of Alberta’s website for information about Occupational Health and Safety.

After the demolition or move is complete, call 311 to book a post-demolition inspection.

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.

You will be asked on the building permit application when you would like to book your inspection. If you would like to make a change to your requested inspection date after applying, please use the online Inspections Booking System.

Please note, inspections take place both as part of the building permit and licensing approval process, and also proactively during large events like the Calgary Stampede. City of Calgary safety codes officers may also exercise discretion to conduct additional inspections. If a fire inspection is required, submit your request  through 311.

Inspections booked outside of our normal operating hours will no longer be charged an after-hours inspection fee. This includes inspection after 4 p.m. on weekdays, all day Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.

Applications submitted online will require you to pay the fee up front, however this fee will be refunded within 2-3 business days.

While the permit is under review, you’ll get an email about when you can book an inspection. When you get this email, you can book the condo inspection through live chat at calgary.ca/livechat or by calling 403-268-5311.

There are different inspection types. Review the requirements for your project.

A City of Calgary Safety codes officer or development inspector will complete a review and note all deficiencies. An inspection may have one of the following outcomes. For more information about the coordination of multiple permits, read about permits and the review process.

Permit Services Reports are produced once all inspections are completed. The report summarizes inspection outcomes and explains the resulting permit condition(s). Permit Services Reports are available upon request to property owners and permit holders. To request a Permit Services Report log into VISTA or contact the Planning Services Centre.

The inspector may ask you to submit documents following an inspection. For example, during an inspection, the inspector will identify items that must be corrected to comply with the applicable codes and standards. In place of a re-inspection, the inspector may provide an option to submit a verification of compliance (VOC). This document lists the infractions found during the inspection. Once the deficiencies are fixed, the property owner, property owner representative, or contractor, shall sign and submit the VOC to The City.

Please see your verification of compliance (VOC) form for submission options. If submitting via ePermit, upload the signed VOC.

The city's inspections team ensures that development aligns with necessary approvals, including the Land Use Bylaw, the Municipal Government Act, and any other applicable legislation. We rely heavily on education and awareness to encourage compliance. When necessary, however, we may issue stop work orders, violation tickets, and/or take other legal action.

To make a complaint regarding Land Use Bylaw infractions, please contact the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311 or chat with us.

Construction sites

Safety is our number one priority. As a member of the Coordinated Safety Response Team, we collaborate with the provincial government and law enforcement to investigate and respond to potentially unsafe sites. Please visit Calgary construction and public safety for more information.

Rental units

Complaints related to building safety issues in a rental unit can be investigated by contacting 311. Before calling, please:

• Ensure you provided written notification about your concern to the landlord.
• Be prepared to provide us with the landlord’s telephone number.
• Arrange access to the property for the safety codes officer.

More information for landlords and tenants is available through the provincial government and The Centre for Public and Legal Education Alberta. Learn about minimum housing and health standards.

More information is also available about filing other types of complaints with The City.

These inspections are conducted by a safety codes officer for work which has been started without the proper permits. If there are infractions, the inspector will issue warnings or potential fines until the necessary permits are obtained.

To file a complaint regarding work without a permit, please contact 311​ or download the Calgary 311 mobile app. To follow up on a notice regarding building without a permit, please contact the inspector listed on the notice document.