• 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.

Preventing the spread of smoke and fire is essential for safety. The building code requires the installation of a smoke tight separation between the any common spaces and the suite. If the backyard suite is located above or attached to the garage, then there must be fire separation between the suite and the garage, this includes walls, floors and supporting structure.

• If the garage serves both the residents of the main dwelling unit and the backyard suite it requires a minimum of 1 hour fire resistance rating
• The code states that when a floor needs to be fire rated, then the structure supporting that floor also needs to be rated to that same level as the floor. This means that any structure supporting the suite above the garage needs to be also have a minimum 1hour fire resistance rating.
• Doors between any part of the garage and any portion of the backyard suite or mechanical room must also be fire rated. Doors must be self-closing, have weather stripping and be a minimum of 45 minutes fire resistance rating.

No, a backyard suite will require a foundation like a home, with footings extending to below the frostline (4 feet deep or greater). A backyard suite built on an existing garage would only be allowed if an engineered has reviewed and approved the existing structure.

When planning for a backyard suite, you need to make sure that there is enough space between the house and the backyard suite for fire safety. The number of windows on the side of the house facing the backyard suite - the exposed building face - will determine how far away your backyard suite can be from the house as well as how much glazing (i.e. windows) can be on the backyard suite’s exposed building face.

When submitting your development and building permit applications, you will need to provide an elevation of the exposed building face of the existing house (the side facing the backyard suite) for review.

Here are some tips to help you understand how the distance between your house and backyard suite effects how much glazing can be on the exposed building face of the backyard suite:

• Draw a line representing an imaginary property line between the house and the backyard suite. Generally, this imaginary property line is determined by calculating how much glazing is on the exposed building face of the existing house and determining the minimum distance is for that percentage of glazing.
• You can then use this imaginary property line to find the limiting distance  for the exposed building face of the backyard suite
• The limiting distance determines the maximum number of openings (such as windows) and the wall construction required for the exposed building face of the backyard suite.
• The greater the limiting distance, the more windows you can have in walls that faces the house.

Separations between the garage and the backyard suite must be soundproof. The assembly between the garage and the suite, as well as the supporting structure of the suite, must have a STC rating of a minimum of 50 and conform to Article 9.11.1.4.

• Refer to the Fire and Sound Resistance tables in the National Building Code – Alberta Edition (tables 9.10.3.1.-A or 9.10.3.1.-B) and follow the construction details for an assembly listed in those tables that provides both the required fire resistance rating and the required sound transmission class rating
• You will need to provide the details of those assemblies on the drawings submitted with your building permit application.
• In this case it will be up to the builder to construct adjoining assemblies in accordance with those determined in the design. Our team will review the components of the assemblies shown on the plans to the extent possible to assess compliance to Article 9.11.1.4. during the plan examination stage and during the normal course of inspection.
• See Administration of Apparent Sound Transmission Classification (ASTC) Requirements​ for more information.

You will be required to submit proof of registration, authorization or letter issued by the Residential Protection Program with your building permit application.

Tip: Visit Alberta New Home Warranty to determine which of these you need.

All backyard suites are required to comply with Section 9.36 of the national building code – Alberta edition.

You will need to provide the following with your building permit application:

• a completed 9.36 project summary form with the compliance path chosen.
• the required RSI calculations for wall, floor and ceiling assemblies.

Refer to Alberta energy code information for houses and small buildings - 9.36 (calgary.ca) for more information.

Due to the increased noise impacts, backyard suites are restricted within the airport vicinity protection area (AVPA). For information regarding whether a backyard suite can be built on your property, please refer to the AVPA regulation or chat with us, or contact the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311.

Supporting documents

1. Abandoned well declaration

• A map of the subject property showing the presence or absence of Abandoned Well Locations on GeoDiscover Alberta’s map viewer must be included with the form.
• Reference the user guide to finding abandoned wells for more information on how to locate your property.

2. Public tree discolsure 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.

3. Site contamination statement

• Indicate yes or no to the questions to your knowledge. If yes, provide the requested additional information when required.

4. Colour photographs

• Photos should be in colour and should reflect the current state of the property

Plans

When preparing your application, you should provide everything listed under each drawing requirement as listed on the checklist.

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. garage, main floor, second floor, etc)
• Label the purpose of how each room is used (i.e. kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc)

3. Elevations

• An elevation drawing is a 2D view of the exterior walls of the building
• Indicate the locations and dimensions of all windows, doors and exterior stairs
• You will need to provide elevation drawings of each side of the backyard suite as well as the rear elevation of the house.

Supporting documents

1. ABC 2014 section 9.36 (energy efficiency) project summary form

2. Alberta New Home Warranty Program registration, authorization or letter issued by the Residential Protection Program

• Visit New Home Warranty – overview | Alberta.ca for details on what you need to provide
• Must be issued by the Alberta New home warranty program. Third Party providers cannot be accepted.

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 the backyard suite (i.e. garage, main floor, second floor, etc)
• Label the purpose of how each room is used (i.e. kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc)

3. Elevations

• An elevation drawing is a 2D view of the exterior walls of the building
• Indicate the locations and dimensions of all windows, doors and exterior stairs
• You will need to provide elevation drawings of each side of the backyard suite as well as the rear elevation of the house.

4. Manufacturer’s floor joist and roof layouts

5. Beam runs

• Beam loading calculations

6. Engineering documents (when applicable)

• Engineering documents are required for lateral support, tall walls, etc
• Form ‘A’ Manufactured stone used in exterior wall cladding system completed by a professional engineer when manufactured stone is used

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.

Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:

• The garage must be at lock-up stage, where all doors and windows are properly installed, with the building secure and the site safe.
• Garages can be built into the side yard, close to the property line. Fire rating standards must be completed, with fire-rated materials installed. 
• The garage inspection can occur when the project is complete, or at the framing stage when doors and windows are installed.
• Rough-in, install and complete all electrical components that are required under associated permits.

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.

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).