When is a Development Permit needed?
A Development Permit is needed for most new construction or changes of use.
The Calgary Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 lists only the uses that do NOT require a development permit (for further information, see Section 25 of the Land Use Bylaw). Therefore, if a use is not specifically exempted, it requires a Development Permit.
The following are some of the types of construction that DO NOT need a Development Permit IF they comply with all the rules of the Land Use Bylaw:
- fences, walls, gates, parking pads, decks, garages, sheds;
- the construction of, or addition to, single and two unit dwellings, if they are in the Developing Areas;
- interior alterations to a residence (unless it changes the number of dwelling units);
- some changes of use (e.g. Retail to Retail).
Please note
Maps showing the land use districts for each parcel of land in the city can be viewed on My Property.
Hints for Faster Development Permit Decisions
Have all required information in your application (see Development Permit Complete Application Requirement Lists).
If your proposal is large or is likely to be controversial, speak to the Corporate Planning Applications Group (CPAG) staff, community association and the neighbours as early as possible in the process.
The main criteria against which your application will be evaluated is how closely it meets the Calgary Land Use Bylaw and planning policy standards as well as any possible negative impact there might be on the neighbours.
BizPaL
BizPaL is intended to simplify the processes for permit applications, business licences and other compliance regulations for entrepreneurs, governments, and third party business service providers, by providing Canadian businesses with one-stop access to permit and licence information for federal, provincial and municipal governments.
