Building permit process frequently asked questions

To improve the quality and completeness of Commercial Multi-Family (CMF) building permit applications, the City of Calgary has introduced a 30-day prescreen review process. This initiative is designed to ensure that all applications meet the necessary requirements before advancing to a full plans review.

• Prescreen Review: The application prescreen review will be assessed as soon as possible, after the file is assigned to a file manager.
  
• Notification: Applicants will be notified of any deficiencies and given 30 days to submit the required documentation.
• Application Acceptance: If all necessary information is submitted within the designated timeframe and the application meets all requirements, it will be accepted and proceed to the full plans review stage.
• Application Refusal: Applications still deemed incomplete after 30 days may be refused and will receive a 100% refund. Applicants have the right to appeal against the refusal under the Safety Codes Act.

Note: This process is for new incoming applications as of August 16th only.

These improvements are part of our commitment to enhancing permit services and providing a more efficient experience for all applicants.

During the full plans review stage, the City of Calgary employs a structured 30-60-90 Permit Refusal Process. This approach is designed to manage incomplete building permit applications effectively by setting clear deadlines for applicants to address deficiencies. This process introduces clear deadlines for applicants to provide necessary information, ensuring that applications progress efficiently through the review system.

Key Features

• 30-Day Reminder: Automated email sent after 30 days of inactivity.
• 60-Day Reminder: Second email reminder sent after 60 days of inactivity.
• 90-Day Refusal: Applications with no progress after 90 days may be refused or canceled.
• Appeal Period: 30 days to appeal the refusal decision to the Safety Codes Council.
• Refund Process: Up to 75% refund of the permit fee if no appeal or if the appeal is unsuccessful.

A building permit is designed to address life and safety issues of a structure. It gives authorization to erect, demolish, relocate, alter or repair a structure, or change the use or occupancy of a space. A building permit application is reviewed for compliance with the Alberta Building Code by a plans examiner to ensure that our built environment is safe.

A development permit allows The City to review a development to see if it meets the Land Use Bylaw requirements and any other relevant policies or plans, such as area redevelopment plans and the Municipal Government Act. There may be conditions attached to the approval of a development permit.

Development permits are required for new projects, changes in use or additions to existing structures. Development permits address community planning, bylaws, land use, image and compatibility issues.

The development permit process is based on the Municipal Government Act and the Land Use Bylaw. Plan reviews, approvals and site inspections are provided, to ensure that development meets the approved planning, engineering and environmental policies. The process looks at land use, site development, streetscape, planning principles, densities, landscaping, transportation, parking and more.

When undertaking a new project, it is always best to consult with the Planning Services Centre​ to find out what kinds of permits you will need.

The VISTA online system is the best way to track the progress of your application. By using your Job Access Code (JAC), you can access a page that tracks your application as it circulates through the different processes. You can find your JAC on the bottom of your building permit application receipt.

To speed up the process, make sure you are submitting a complete application by following the appropriate requirement list. Ensure you:

• Have the appropriate drawings and specifications.
• Use the appropriate fee calculator to estimate your permit fees.
• Provide all documents required.
• Respond to the different departments reviewing your plans and provide additional information, plans and other documents when requested in a timely manner.
• Submit detailed floor plans showing how the space will be used and a detailed key or site plan showing the entire layout of the site where your business is located.​​

We’re committed to providing you with a timely response on your permit application.

A building permit for a minor tenant improvement may be issued within 21 calendar days, provided code requirements are met and all necessary documentation is provided in the application. The timeline of a permit application will increase if amendments or resubmissions are needed from the applicant.

Larger projects may be issued in 56 calendar days, provided that all requirements and necessary documentation was provided at the time of application.

We understand that a rejected application represents a considerable investment of time. To help prevent your permit being refused, The City will work with you to address concerns.

At the time of application, your application is pre-screened to ensure that you are submitting a complete application and that your drawings have all the necessary information for a plans examiner to review. This may include architect and engineer seals and stamps and any necessary professional schedules. Sometimes applications may require further information, which should be provided by the applicant in a timely manner, to prevent the application being refused.

Permits are reviewed by a number of plans examination safety codes officers, depending on the type of work being done and which codes are involved. For example, a restaurant is generally reviewed by a building, mechanical and plumbing safety codes officer. The plans are also reviewed by an Alberta Health Services plans examiner.

Plans are reviewed for compliance with all applicable codes. If there are major deficiencies, the plans examiner will contact the applicant for more information or for revised drawings. Permits may be issued with conditions, which need to be addressed prior to or during construction.

The drawings required for your specific project will differ depending on the type of work being done. Choosing the appropriate requirement list will help you understand what is required for your application. All drawings should include the project title, scale, north arrow, dimensions and room labels on plans.

Your drawings may require:

• Site plan or key plan
• Architectural/structural floor and mezzanine plans
• Elevations if work includes exterior additions or alterations
• Details of the wall assemblies and doors
• Plumbing, mechanical, electrical and sprinkler drawings
• A mechanical site slip from an engineer is required for new construction and additions with new foundations that could affect underground services

If you are having difficulty determining which application requirement list to use, contact the Planning Services Centre.​​

A partial permit allows a portion of the work to progress in advance of the full building permit. You may request a partial permit for excavation, foundation or construction of a particular portion of the project. A partial permit is only applicable to new buildings or additions to existing buildings.

A partial permit can be applied for at any time until the full building permit is issued. In addition to providing the requirements for your project, a written letter outlining the scope of the partial permit may be required, as well as the partial permit fee.

A partial permit can only be released if the development permit has been released or you have obtained a letter from the development officer stating that there are no objections to the partial permit.

If there are no outstanding development permits or bylaw issues and if adequate drawings and supporting documents have been submitted, then the partial permit can typically be released in 21 days from the application date.

Learn more​ about commercial partial permits and frequently asked questions​.​​

Existing interior partitions demolition can be included under the building permit for the new renovations, or it can be covered under a separate building permit where the scope of work is noted as interior partitions removal only. Interior partition is defined as a non-load bearing wall.

The all-in-one Partial Permit application process enables simultaneous submission of Partial Permit and full Alteration Building Permit. 
 Visit Apply.calgary.ca, download the Partial Permit application form, and submit it along with your Alteration Building Permit application.  The permit incurs no additional fees, ensuring a cost-effective solution for applicants. The partial permit is based on the cost of construction for the interior demolition work only. For More Information, please refer to user guide.

If you have applied for a interior partitions removal permit, the permit may be issued as a quick-release permit, if the requirements are met.

An occupancy permit​ is the final approval indicating that the building is safe to occupy. The building safety codes officer will review the scope of work to determine if an occupancy permit is required. If required, the building safety codes officer will provide an application for occupancy form to the general contractor at the time of inspection.

The building inspector will determine which other authorities are required to sign off on the project. It is the contractor’s responsibility to call in the necessary progress inspections as required. After all the required inspections are completed and signed off, the contractor will call 311 to book the building occupancy or final inspection. If occupancy is granted, the building inspector will leave the signed occupancy permit with the contractor on site. New businesses will need to arrange for a business licence after they have received their occupancy permit.​​

Contact the planning services centre and describe the issue, so that we can help you resolve your problem.