Driveways
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?
You may require a planning approval (development permit) if you are:
- Building a new driveway
- Extending or widening an existing driveway
NOTE: See “What design rules do you need to meet” to help determine if you require a development permit for your driveway.
You do not require a permit if you are:
- Replacing an existing driveway
In most cases, a building permit would not be required. However, some designs may require a building safety review. If you are unsure if a building permit is required, contact the planning services centre.
Do you need a pre-application meeting?
A pre-application meeting is a process where an applicant may present a development proposal to The City for review and comment, prior to a formal application being submitted. There is no fee to submit a driveway pre-application meeting request.
If your driveway requires a development permit:
- A pre-application meeting is not required.
- However, it can be valuable to request a pre-application meeting before preparing and submitting a complete development permit application.
If your driveway does not require a development permit:
- A pre-application meeting is required. Although the driveway may be exempt from requiring a development permit by the land use bylaw, the City’s Mobility team will still need to review the proposal. This is to ensure that the driveway complies with the City’s safety, accessibility, and transportation planning guidelines.
To submit a request for a pre-application meeting:
- Obtain a Site Plan which clearly indicates the proposed location and dimensions of the driveway on the property. Please see the driveway application checklist for an example of a Site Plan.
- Tip: You can modify a Real Property Report (RPR) to use as your site Plan.
- Review the “Common Reasons for Refusal” and confirm that none apply to your property.
- Contact the Planning Services Centre and request a pre-application meeting.
How much will it cost?
| Planning approval - Development permit (if applicable) | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Advertising fee | Development completion inspection | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposed driveways that to do not meet all the rules of Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 | $365 | $30 | $155 | $550 |
How do you pay for a permit?
Online submissions
For online submissions you will pay your permit fees in full at the time of your application using a credit card
In person submissions
You will be required to pay in full at the time of your application. You may pay by credit or debit card, cheque or cash.
How long will it take to get a permit?
Timelines indicated are not a guarantee and depend on volumes, application completeness, and the applicant’s timely replies to additional information requests from the City.
Tip: To avoid delays in processing your application, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information listed on the checklist below.
See the tips for a smooth application for details on submitting a complete application.
Planning approval timelines
| Planning approval - Development permit (if applicable) | Our process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
|
Proposed structures that do not meet all rules of Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 |
|
10 - 12 weeks |
Review our development permit process page for more information about the planning approval process. |
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) |
|---|---|
| Building permit | 180 days |
| Contractor trade permit | 330 days |
| Homeowner permit | 330 days |
| Development permit |
Your permit conditions will outline your commencement date. Commencement date is the day you must start construction by for the development permit to be valid. If you do not start construction by that date, you can request an extension of commencement. |
Do you need to hire a professional?
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 to review the 5 steps to choosing a contractor.
Professional architects or engineers
An architect or professional engineer may be required to design and inspect your project. Refer to the current National Building Code – Alberta Edition, 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).
If your project requires engineer’s review, then a seal of professional engineer registered to practice in the province of Alberta for the proposed design should be provided. The engineer should be registered with APEGA- The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. Please visit APEGA website for professional engineer’s stamp authentication requirements.
If your driveway will be accessing a street and requires a curb cut, this work needs to be completed by a city-qualified contractor, or you may need an indemnification agreement. For information on the Driveway Crossing Program including curb cuts or sidewalk lowering, the application process and\or to submit a request, visit the Driveway Crossing Program webpage.
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?
What design rules do you need to meet?
General rules
Developed area
See developed area Map on page 16 of the Land Use Bylaw or enter your address in the “Where are you Building” section above to determine if you are in a developed area.
A driveway accessing a street must not be constructed, altered or replaced, unless:
- It is located on a parcel that does not have lane access.
- It is located on a parcel that has lane access and 50 per cent of the same block face also have an existing driveway accessing a street.
- The driveway is legal and not being relocated or widened.
- A development permit for a driveway relaxation has been approved by The City to relocate or widen a driveway.
If a driveway:
- Is proposed in a Developed Area,
- complies with the restrictions above, and
- the length/width restrictions below,
then a development permit is likely not required.
If you require assistance in determining if a development permit is required for your driveway, please contact the Planning Services Centre.
Developing area
See developed area Map on page 16 of the Land Use Bylaw or enter your address in the “Where are you Building” section above to determine if you are in a developing area.
If a driveway:
- Complies the length/width restrictions below,
then a development permit is likely not required.
If you require assistance in determining if a development permit is required for your driveway, please contact the Planning Services Centre.
Driveways length
Driveways connecting to a street
A driveway connecting a private garage to a street must be a minimum of 6.0 m in length along the intended direction of travel and at least 3.0 m wide.
Driveway length is measured from the back of walk to the door of the garage, or from a curb where no public sidewalk is constructed.
See Land Use Byalw 1P2007 for complete rules.
Driveways connecting to a lane
A driveway connecting a private garage to a lane must be a minimum of 0.60 m in length along the intended direction of travel, measured from the inset of the garage door.
See Land Use Byalw 1P2007 for complete rules.
Driveway width
Parcel width: 9.0 m or less
Driveway width: 6.0 m
Parcel width: Greater than 9.0 m but equal to or less than 15.0 m
Driveway width: 7.0 m
Note: If the driveway extends pass the width of the garage an encroachment agreement may be required. See encroachments for more information.
Parcel width: Greater than 15.0 m
Driveway width: Unrestricted
Note: If the driveway extends pass the width of the garage an encroachment agreement may be required. See encroachments for more information.
Irregular shaped parcel width calculations
The width of your property dictates the allowable driveway width on a residential property. Your parcel frontage is not always your actual parcel width. To determine lot width on an irregular parcel, see the example below.
In this case, the parcel width is 13.5 meters, which means the maximum driveway width for this property is seven meters.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Every new or widened driveway is reviewed by the City’s Mobility team to ensure compliance with our accessibility, safety, and transportation planning guidelines.
Even if the land use bylaw rules are met, there are some situations where the City of Calgary would not approve a new or widened driveway. Approval for a new or widened driveway would likely not be supported if any of the following situations apply to your property.
- The driveway is within 5.0 metres of an existing wheelchair ramp/crosswalk in an intersection.
- The driveway is within 0.5 metres of an existing “transit bus stop.”
- Note: A “transit bus stop” can refer to a transit bus pad, and/or a shelter, and/or signage, and/or an area reserved for these uses under an easement or restrictive covenant.
- The driveway is accessing a major street or express way.
- Note: Major Streets and Expressways are highlighted orange on the City's Major Road Network Map.
- There is a restrictive covenant on the property that prevents access from the street.
- The driveway exceeds the width restrictions listed in the land use bylaw.
- Note: There may be additional width restrictions based on City of Calgary Road Construction Specifications.
If the listed situations above do not apply to your property, please contact the Planning Services Centre and request a pre-application meeting to begin the application process.
Encroachments and utility rights-of-way
Driveways commonly pass through utility right-of-ways, resulting in an encroachment. If there is already an existing concrete driveway passing through a utility right-of-way, a second concrete driveway (sidewalk, patio or walkway) would not be permitted. This is a common problem with corner lots, when there are multiple concrete driveways passing through a right-of-way. Landscaping, such as gravel or asphalt, is viewed differently than concrete in terms of encroachments. For more information, contact corporate properties through 311.
Owners of encroachments are required to enter into an agreement with the city or remove the offending structure. The city does not approve all applications for encroachment agreements.
Construction information (building code) to consider when designing your driveway
Parking pad
Although a building permit is not required for a parking pad, if you plan on pouring a parking pad for the purpose of building a garage in the future, you should consider the location after reviewing the previous rules of the Land Use Bylaw listed under location and design on the garage, shed, gazebo, or similar structures homepage.
If your garage slab will have an area bigger than 55 m2 (592 sq. ft.) and does not have a concrete foundation that is 1.2m below grade, you will need a concrete slab designed by a professional engineer. Please refer to Building Regulations Bulletin 2014-011.
Building code questions
If you have questions or need clarification on the Building code information above, contact the technical assistance centre.
For all other inquiries contact our planning services centre.
How to prepare your application
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 (contractor, homeowner)
- What you are applying for
- Project details
2. Prepare the required documents and plans
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.
Development permit application requirements
Supporting documents
1. Public tree disclosure statement
- Indicate yes or no if there is a public tree on the city lands within six meters of and/or overhanging your property.
- If there are public trees, show these trees on your site plan and complete the rest of the form.
- If you are not sure if there are public trees, you can use the city’s Tree Map (may not be up to date for your property) or contact 3-1-1 for a development tree inquiry.
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.
Site Plan
- A Site Plan is a “bird’s eye” 2-D representation of a property and includes the location and dimensions of property lines, structures on the property, rights-of-way, and other features unique to the property.
- Tip: You can modify a Real Property Report (RPR) to use as your site Plan.
- Your site plan must indicate the length and width of the proposed driveway.
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.calgary.ca
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.
We’re currently experiencing higher than seasonal application volumes, we apologize for delays. To check the status of your permit, go to vista.calgary.ca and enter in your Job Access Code (JAC) number
Video tutorial - How to apply for permits
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?
Development completion permits
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.
Book and manage your inspections online using your myID or VISTA account at inspections.calgary.ca. You can find your permit using your Job Access Code (JAC).
How do you book your inspections?
Visit building inspections for information on how to book an inspection, cancel or reschedule, permit expiry and the applicable requirements for each inspection type.
Make changes to your permit
Planning Services Centre
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:15 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