Legalize an existing secondary suite
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?
To legalize an existing secondary suite, you will need a building permit if:
- Your existing basement or in-law suite includes both a bathroom and cooking facilities in the unit. Even if you are not planning to rent out the unit, you must apply for the necessary secondary suite permits.
- Your suite is accessible from outside without passing through the main dwelling unit (a shared stairwell is acceptable but each unit must have a private entrance)
- Your suite was built prior to March 12, 2018. If your suite was built after March 12, 2018, please visit build a new secondary suite.
To convert an existing basement, developed without cooking facilities, to a legal secondary suite, please apply for a new secondary suite.
Building safety approval (building permit)
Building safety approval is to make sure that the structure meets building safety requirements. Review the construction (building code information) section of this page for more information.
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)
If secondary suites are listed as discretionary in your district, or your design or location does not meet land use bylaw specifications, you will also require planning approval (development permit). To find out if you need a development permit, search your address using the tool in where are you building?
Electrical permit
You need a separate electrical permit for all electrical installations and renovations.
- If you are doing the work yourself, you may be eligible for a homeowners electrical permit. Review the electrical wiring section of homeowner electrical and plumbing permits for more information.
- If you are hiring someone to do the work for you, they will need to apply for the permit. Visit our hiring a contractor page for more information.
- If you are a contractor, visit our trade permit contractor page for more information.
Plumbing permit
A separate plumbing permit is required for all new plumbing installations, as well as when extending or altering any existing plumbing systems.
For more information about what type of electrical work a homeowner may obtain a permit for, review the homeowners permits eligibility and plumbing permit sections.
For information for contractors, visit the trade permit contractor information page.
Permit costs and timelines
Find out which permits you need to complete your secondary suite, how much they will cost, and the approval timelines.
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?
General suite rules
Number of suites on a property
- There can only be one secondary suite within each dwelling unit.
- A backyard suite and a secondary suite cannot be located on the same property
- You must indicate on your plans:
- The location of the amenity space for the suite
- The location and size of parking being provided for the suite
If you have questions or need clarification on the Land Use Bylaw rules, or have general permit questions, please contact the Planning Services Centre.
Construction information (building code) to consider when designing your building
The current National Building Code – Alberta Edition identifies safety considerations that must be in place in any secondary suite. You can find more information in the Secondary Suite – Existing prior to March 12, 2018 advisory and Existing Secondary Suite Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Bedroom egress windows
Each bedroom must have at least one window that can be fully opened and used to escape during an emergency, such as a fire. Information about the window, including if it is existing, proposed, the size and type must be included on your plans.
- The windows must be openable without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge and without the removal of sashes or hardware.
- The window must have an unobstructed opening of 0.35 m2 (3.8 ft2) in area and no dimension less than 380 mm (15").
- If a casement-type window is used, it must swing open a full 90 degrees.
- Refer to Building Advisory A19-005 - Egress Window Guidelines for more details.
Window wells
- An existing window well must provide a minimum clearance of 550 mm (21.5") in front of the window.
- If installing a new window, the window well must provide a minimum clearance of 760 mm (30") in front of the window.
Acceptable window styles
Shaded areas illustrated below represent unobstructed openings that must be 0.35 m² with no dimension less than 380 mm.
Adding or increasing window size
- Foundation walls can only have a certain number of openings before the integrity of that wall is compromised. Adding new windows or increasing the size of existing windows in a concrete foundation impacts the wall’s ability to resist soil pressure.
- The Building Code restricts opening sizes and configurations by allowing a certain percentage of openings and opening sizes on a single wall.
- For example, a single window may be 1.2 m (4 ft) in width while two windows, spaced less than their average width apart, are considered one large opening.
- When adding multiple windows in one wall, the maximum width of all windows combined cannot be more than 25% of the wall length.
- Openings that exceed any of the above requirements must be designed by a professional engineer registered in the province of Alberta. When submitting your application, you will need to provide the engineered stamped drawings with your application.
Smoke and fire protection
Preventing the spread of smoke and fire is essential for safety. The Building Code requires the installation of a smoke tight separation between the main residence and suite.
Smoke-tight separation means
- Installing a minimum of 12.7 mm (½") thick drywall on the ceiling and on both sides of wall studs that separate a suite from main residence. All drywall joints must be taped and filled with drywall compound to provide a smoke tight joint.
- Installing a minimum 12.7 mm (1/2”) thick drywall on the ceiling and on both sides of wall studs of the mechanical room. All drywall joints must be taped and filled with drywall compound to provide a smoke tight joint, and any penetrations must be appropriately sealed.
Additional requirements for smoke-tight separation
- The mechanical room must have a solid door with a self-closing device. The path of travel to an exit door cannot pass through a mechanical room.
- Any services such as pipes or ductwork, which pass through a protective separation, need to be tightly fitted and sealed with drywall compound or sealant.
- In retrofit situations, existing mechanical rooms may have obstructions that make a smoke-tight separation difficult to construct. One option may be to remove all existing HVAC ducts to ease the installation of 12.7 mm (½”) drywall. Once the separation is constructed, new holes may be cut where required to install ductwork.
- Double wall (B-Vent) chimneys will require minimum 25.4 mm (1”) clearance to ½” drywall and tightly fitted sheet metal fire stop to maintain the smoke separation.
- Single wall vent connectors will require minimum 152.4 mm (6”) clearance to ½” drywall.
Smoke alarms
- Must be installed at, or near, the ceiling of each floor level in both the primary dwelling and secondary suite.
- Are required in each bedroom, common space and any supplementary spaces including mechanical (furnace) rooms.
- Must be permanently wired to the electrical panel through a circuit that contains lighting or a mix of lighting and receptacles, if that circuit is protected by an arc fault circuit interrupter and/or a ground fault circuit interrupter, the smoke alarms must contain an integral battery (10-year battery) as a secondary supply source.
- Must be interconnected, so the activation of one smoke alarm will cause all units in the secondary suite and a minimum of one smoke alarm to sound in the main residence.
Carbon monoxide alarms
- Should be centrally located in the primary dwelling, the secondary suite, common spaces and mechanical room.
- Should be installed at the height specified by the manufacturer and located within 5 m (16’5”) of any bedrooms.
- Must be permanently wired to the electrical panel through a circuit that contains lighting or a mix of lighting and receptacles, if that circuit is protected by an arc fault circuit interrupter and/or a ground fault circuit interrupter, the carbon monoxide alarm must contain an integral battery (10 year battery) as a secondary supply source.
- Must be interconnected, so the activation of one carbon monoxide alarm will cause all units in the secondary suite and a minimum of one carbon monoxide alarm to sound in the main residence.
An electrical permit is required if installing additional wired smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms.
Exterior stairways and protection of secondary suite exits
You must ensure your suite tenants can safely exit in the event of a fire or emergency. There are additional requirements to consider when the only exit for a suite is served by an exterior staircase, where a window or opening is located directly above the stairway:
- Option A: Installing glass block or wired glass in fixed steel frames on the windows of the primary home.
- Option B: Constructing a roof over the entirety of the exterior exit stair out of solid material such as wood, metal or concrete.
Option A:
If you install glass block or wired glass:
- Windows that are less than 3 m horizontally and less than 10 m below or less than 5 m above the exit stair need to be protected.
- Windows on the primary entrance that do not expose to the stairwell do not need protection.
- Only fixed, non-operable windows can be protected in this way.
- Bedroom windows must be operable.
Option B shows an exterior stairwell with a roof providing protection from the window above it.
More information on Unenclosed Exterior Stairs can be found on the protection of openings near unenclosed exterior stairs and ramps advisory.
Heating and ventilation
For pre-existing secondary suites, the use of a single heating and ventilation system to serve both the main dwelling and the secondary suite is acceptable under the Alberta Fire Code.
Plumbing
Secondary suites must have:
- A supply of hot water and at least one kitchen sink, toilet and a bathtub or shower.
- A back-flow prevention device on the branch drains of the sanitary sewer line.
For more information, refer to the following advisories:
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Secondary Suite Incentive Program
The Secondary Suite Incentive Program supports safe housing for all. The program will provide up to $10,000 per qualifying homeowner.
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.
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Developing a safe and legal secondary suite
September 18, 2023Watch our recorded Q&A on everything you need to know about developing a secondary suite in Calgary.
Hear from Development, Business & Building Services they discuss permits, fees, and how to make your suite legal and safe.
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Suite talk: Answering your secondary suite questions
November 20, 2024Gain insights on developing a secondary suite by attending a presentation and extended live Q&A! City experts will answer your questions about safety requirements, legalizing a suite, the Secondary Suite Incentive Program and more.
How to prepare your application
You will need to know:
- The project address
- Who is applying (the homeowner or someone representing the owner)
- Who will be doing the work (contractor, homeowner)
- If you will be choosing Option 1: Reduced application requirements, or Option 2: full plans
Option 1: Reduced application requirements
When applying online you will be required to complete and submit:
- owner declaration form
- existing secondary suite information sheet
- Colored photos of your existing suite
Note: The photos must be combined into one file to successfully submit online.
Photo requirements
Please ensure your colored photo submission includes pictures of the following:
- The entryway into the suite, from the outside (including the stairwell into the suite if applicable).
- The entryway into the suite, from the inside (including the stairwell into the suite if applicable).
- The suite kitchen (please ensure all cooking appliances are visible).
- The suite bathroom.
- The parking area (located on the property only).
- The outdoor amenity space area / yard that tenants can use for recreation.
- The mechanical / furnace room showing the ceiling.
- Each window in a bedroom / sleeping area (include a photo from the inside and the outside).
Option 2: Full plans
Prepare the required documents and plans
Building and development permit application requirements
Specific drawing and supporting document requirements are listed on the permit checklist. You must provide all the required drawings and documents when you submit your application.
Supporting documents
Plans
Sample drawings have been provided to assist you with completing your requirements – you should provide everything listed on the checklist as shown on the Sample Drawings.
1. Site plan
- Tip: You can modify a Real Property Report (RPR) to use as your site Plan.
- You must note where the suite amenity space, parking and suite entrance are located
2. Floor plans
- You will need to provide floor plans for each floor of your house (i.e. basement, main floor, second floor, etc)
- Label the purpose of how each room is used (i.e. kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc)
- Size, type and operation of windows for the suite
- Label the area of the secondary suite (in square feet or square meters)
3. Elevations
- An elevation drawing is a 2D view of the exterior walls of the house
- Indicate the locations and dimensions of all windows, doors and exterior stairs
- You will need to provide elevation drawings of each side of the house
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 Centre.
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 Centre.
- 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 and the Guide to a Complete Application (if applicable), 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.
Apply online
To apply online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account..
Apply in-person
Complete the application form.
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?
Two inspections are required for secondary suites.
Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements
- Install and complete any structural changes.
- Install and complete all the wall and ceiling framing.
- Install proposed windows and exterior doors.
- Install and complete any HVAC changes.
- Rough in, install and complete all plumbing and electrical components that are required under associated permits.
- Have requested documentation on site.
- Do not install insulation, vapour barrier or drywall over any work that requires inspection prior to concealing.
Final inspection requirement
The construction should be completed, and the suite should be ready for occupancy.
Electrical trade permits
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 panelboard, 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, please have your Contractor 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 panelboard 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.
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 permits
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).
How do you book your inspections?
Visit building inspections for information on how to book, cancel or reschedule an inspection, permit expiry and the requirements for each inspection type.
Homeowners
Make changes to your permit
Suites FAQs
Suite registry FAQ
What is the secondary suite registry?
The secondary suite registry is an online, searchable list identifying legal and safe secondary suites in Calgary. These suites have been registered and inspected to meet Alberta’s safety code requirements. View the suite registry bylaw and go to secondarysuites.calgary.ca to view the registry.
What is the goal of the registry?
The registry aims to build awareness with Calgarians about the importance of public safety, and the safety features of a legal secondary suite. Suites that have been inspected by The City and meet the requirements under Alberta’s safety codes provide the necessary measures to help protect lives.
What are the advantages of the registry and sticker for owners?
Registered secondary suites are listed on The City’s website and receive a numbered sticker that can be posted at the main entrance of the suite. Owners can use the registry and sticker as a means to promote their suite to current and future residents.
Is there a cost to be on the registry?
Not currently, however, in January 2022, we will reinstate fees for the suite registry. The registry program is intended to promote the importance of safe secondary suites for Calgarians.
How do I get a secondary suite sticker for my suite?
Please note it will take two to three weeks after the final inspection to receive your sticker in the mail.
Where do I place the sticker on my property?
We recommend placing the stickers on the entry point of the suite. This informs current and future residents that suite is part of The City’s registry program.
If the property is sold, does the registry transfer to the new owner?
Yes. The registry is connected to the address containing the legal and safe secondary suite.
How long is the sticker valid for?
There is no expiry date.
Can I make modifications to my secondary suite after the building permit is approved?
Any changes to your secondary suite could require additional permits and inspections. To ensure modifications meet the requirements of Alberta’s safety codes and do not alter the safety features of your suite, contact The City’s Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311 for assistance.
What penalties might I face for owning an unsafe suite?
Safety is always top priority for The City. Our inspectors work collaboratively with secondary suite owners, and we determine appropriate timelines to complete work. However, if owners of illegal suites do not comply with minimum safety standards, we may take legal action.
Can I be removed from the registry?
The City investigates all complaints, should your secondary suite be found to no longer comply with Alberta’s safety codes, your suite will be removed from the registry.
Suite addressing FAQ
The City of Calgary requires the assignment of a separate address for secondary suites to supplement the basic address of the main dwelling. The identifier for the secondary suite may be alphabetical or numeric. Suite numbers are shown at the start of the address for the following purposes:
Emergency response and wayfinding
If an emergency event occurs in the secondary suite, every second counts and a precise location will assist the emergency responders to locate the suite.
Current and future utility hookups
Utility hookups require the exact suite address where the utilities will be hooked up and for the utility bill to be sent.
Applications for future business licences
A requirement of a business licence is to have the exact suite address to where the business will be operating. Although there might not be a business operating out of the secondary suite at this time, an address will still be created to enable a business to be licenced at the suite when needed.
Applications for future short-term rentals
Although the secondary suite might not be used as a short-term rental at this time, a new address will still be created to enable a suite to be licenced for a short-term rental when needed. The licence requires the exact suite address and not the main dwelling address.
Canada Post and other mail delivery services
Although not a City of Calgary requirement, having a separate address for the secondary suite will assist in the delivery of mail to the correct dwelling unit.
Suite density FAQ
Residential development: Understanding secondary and backyard suites’ impacts on growth in established areas
At a recent Partners in planning session, hosted by the federation of Calgary communities, several questions were asked on understanding suites’ impacts within an established area.
What is the difference between a secondary or backyard suite and a dwelling unit?
A dwelling unit is the primary home for the property. Dwelling units come in many forms like an apartment, single-detached house, semi-detached house or rowhouse.
Suites are spaces used as separate living quarters from the primary home on a property. They can take form as a secondary suite or a backyard suite.
Secondary suites are located within the primary home. They are typically located in the basement but may also be located on the main or upper floors or above an attached garage.
Backyard suites are physically separated from the home and located in the property’s backyard. They are typically built on top of a detached garage but can also be on the ground floor attached to a detached garage or in an independent structure.
A suite must be approved with a primary home. They are not separate dwelling units, meaning these suites can’t be subdivided or sold separately from the primary home.
Why are suites allowed in single-detached/ R-C1 communities?
Suites are allowed in all low-density residential districts (except the R-MH District) in the City of Calgary. City Council amended the land use bylaw in 2018 to allow for suites throughout the city.
How does the MDP estimate population based on number of units?
The table below provides a common method for calculating population per hectare, by each of the key dwelling unit types (low, medium, high) and the occupancy rate, in established areas.
Why are suites allowed in single-detached/ R-C1 communities?
Secondary suites are allowed in all residential districts in the City of Calgary. City Council amended the land use bylaw in 2018 to allow for secondary suites throughout the city.
Will my property tax increase with the development of a secondary suite or backyard suite?
Property tax is calculated and billed annually using the property’s assessed value, as found on your property assessment notice, and the Council-approved property tax rate. Home improvement projects (i.e. basement development) or adding livable space to your home could increase your property taxes. If you have questions about property tax, contact 311.
Are levies charged on suites in the established area?
Developers pay for the costs of infrastructure within a development site that they’re building but exempts backyard and secondary suites, following the rules outline in the off-site levy bylaw. For established areas, levies are collected for the treatment plant levy. More information can be found on our off-site levy page.
What are the parking requirements for suites?
Under the current Land Use Bylaw, suites require a minimum of one motor vehicle parking stall. This requirement is reduced in some land use districts where certain conditions are met such as a limited floor area, proximity to transit, provision of bicycle parking or where the main dwelling has 2 or more parking stalls. A relaxation in parking minimums may be considered based on proximity to city centre, amenities and public transit. For more information, please refer to the policy to guide discretion for secondary suites and backyard suites.
Are suites considered in The Municipal Development Plan (MDP)’s density calculation?
Yes, indirectly. The Municipal Development Plan has intensity targets for select areas of the city, including activity centres, main streets, transit station areas and new communities. These targets are measured as people and jobs per hectare, which would include people living in suites in the calculation. These targets are not requirements, but rather aspirations.
How does the MDP estimate population based on number of units?
The table below provides a common method for calculating population per hectare, by each of the key dwelling unit types (low, medium, high) and the occupancy rate, in established areas.
Occupancy rates are based on observed census data, and the population of suites is accounted for in the occupancy rate of low-density dwelling types.
How come suites are not counted towards density?
Density is calculated by the number of primary dwellings on a parcel of land and does not include backyard or secondary suites. These suites do not increase the number of primarily dwelling units on a property as they are created either within the existing home or as part of the backyard.
For example, R-C1 districts allows for single-detached homes as well as secondary suites. A homeowner may choose to convert their basement into a legalized suite, which offers more housing choice in the community but does not increase the number of primary dwelling units onto the property.
What about districts where more than two dwelling units can be on a parcel of land? In the R-CG district, a maximum density is established to regulate the number of homes on a parcel, rather than the type of home. This is because a range of dwelling units may be found in a single building (i.e. a rowhouse may include three, four, five or more dwelling units) and more than one building containing dwelling units may be built on a parcel. In this district, there may be one suite per dwelling, but those suites do not count toward the maximum allowable density. This is done to allow for suites, but not allow for additional dwelling units beyond the maximum density.
Disclaimer: This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically.
| Residential type | Units per hectare | Occupancy rates | People per hecare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low density | 17-28 | 2.8 | 50-80 |
| Medium density | 25-2008 | 2.4 | 62-500 |
| High density | 225-1041 | 1.6 | 360-1667 |
Occupancy rates are based on observed census data, and the population of suites is accounted for in the occupancy rate of low-density dwelling types.
Suite services FAQ
Does my secondary suite get its own blue, black and green carts?
- Any residential dwelling which currently receives City residential blue, black and green cart service and has a secondary suite can add additional carts to ensure there is adequate cart capacity to sort your household waste properly.
- More information on who qualifies for additional carts and how to request them please visit this page.
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
Legal and safe suite registry
Check the Secondary Suite Registry to find or verify a legal suite in Calgary.
Registry suites include all necessary permits and have been inspected to meet Alberta's Safety Code requirements. The registry is continually updated as we approve suites.
If an operating suite does not appear on the registry, you can contact Customer support to submit a complaint.
Click before you dig
Always contact Utility Safety Partners before you dig. Submit a locate request online or call 1-800-242-3447 for more information.