Antennas
Before you apply
What is an antenna?
The antennas category includes cell towers, radio antennas, communication antennas, and amateur radio towers.
Do you need a permit?
A building permit is not always required when the antenna is attached to, and/or supported from an existing building. It must meet wind and snow load requirements of building code.
To ensure safe construction, a building permit is required to install an antenna under the following condition:
- The antenna installation includes the construction of an accessory building over 10 m2on the site
Please note: The City of Calgary does not approve antenna structures. The Federal government approves development and operation of telecommunication antennas in Canada. In certain cases, they require service providers to consult with the local municipality and the public regarding a proposed location.
A wireless service provider submits a request to The City for review of the proposed location and the proposed public consultation plan. The City then sends a letter of support (concurrence) or non-support (non-concurrence) to the service provider when the review is completed. Please note The City cannot prevent an applicant from obtaining federal permission even if The City disagrees with the location, based on the municipal Telecommunication antenna structures siting protocols.
What are the rules and regulations?
Application review
The City of Calgary reviews and evaluates each submission for an antenna based on land use planning criteria. The specific issues observed, analysed, and evaluated are predominantly, but not limited to, the following:
- Proposed location
- Existing and proposed on-site uses, activities and structures
- Adjacent sites and their existing and proposed uses, activities and structures
- How close a proposed cell tower is to residential development
- Co-location potentials on the site and on nearby sites with other antenna structures
- Compliance with The City’s telecommunication antenna structure policy
- Alignment with Calgary’s Municipal Development Plan regarding historic sites and environmentally sensitive areas
- Proposed design
Please note: The City of Calgary review focuses primarily on the design and location of a proposed antenna structure. Our review does not assess or evaluate health and radiofrequency exposure. For health-related information, please refer to these resources:
Public consultation
The City of Calgary is responsible for the following functions in the public consultation process:
- Assess and review the consultation plan created by the applicant
- Clarify provisions of the City’s Telecommunication antenna structures siting protocols
- Explain The City’s role in the planning and development of telecommunication antenna structures
For additional information regarding the federal government’s mandate and authority in the wireless telecommunications process, please consult Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's client procedures circular CPC-2-0-03 – radiocommunication and broadcasting antenna systems.
MyID business account
If you have a myID business account, you can get a digital copy of your business licence through email.
To learn more and to sign-up, visit myID business account.
Related links
How much will it cost?
| Antenna type | Base fee | GST | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A - new cell tower or height increase of more than 25% to existing tower | $3,103 | - | $3,103 |
| Type B - roof top or pole mount |
$776 |
- |
$776 |
| Type C - co-located or temporary up to 3 months |
$118 |
- |
$118 |
| Type D - small cell antenna |
$118 |
- |
$118 |
| Amateur radio towers |
$295 |
- |
$295 |
See the Planning Applications fee schedule for a complete list of planning application fees.
How long will it take?
Timelines are not a guarantee and depend on volumes, application completeness, and the applicant’s timely replies to additional information requests from the City.
If your Antenna will be placed on City property, please review the antenna submission process for City-owned property.
Review information on timelines and the approvals process.
How to prepare your application
Step 1: Prepare the application details
You will need to know:
- The project address
- Who is applying (the homeowner or someone representing the owner)
- Who will be doing the work (licenced demolition contractor)
- What you are applying for
- Project details
Step 2: Prepare the required documents and plans
Specific drawing and supporting document requirements are listed on the following permit checklists:
You must provide all the required drawings and documents when you submit your application.
- Complete the checklists
- Review your fees
Apply for your licence and required permits
To apply online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account.
Apply in person
Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visiting the Planning Services Centre.
After you apply
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.
Development approvals review team
Contact the Development approvals review team staff about specific applications.
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