Legalize Your Secondary Suite Incentive

As Calgary grows, safe and accessible housing options remain a top priority for our communities. Secondary suite, whether basement apartments or in-law suites, provide vital housing for renters, extended family, and students, while helping Ward 2 homeowners manage mortgage costs.

If you own a home with an existing, unregistered secondary suite, now is the time to take action. The City of Calgary’s Secondary Suite Amnesty Program is active through December 31, 2026. Taking advantage of this program makes legalizing your suite straightforward, affordable, and safe for everyone.

Here is a quick overview of what the program means for Ward 2 residents and how to get started.

Why Legalize Your Existing Suite?

1. Prioritize Safety: Legal suites ensure critical life-safety standards are met, including proper egress windows in bedrooms, smoke-tight separations, interconnected smoke/CO alarms, and dedicated heating and electrical systems.

2. Financial Savings: Under the Amnesty Program, the City waives both development permit fees and suite registration fees, saving homeowners hundreds of dollars in municipal fees.

3. Peace of Mind & Rental Value: Registered suites are added to the City’s official Secondary Suite Registry. This protects your home insurance coverage and makes your suite far more attractive to prospective long-term tenants.

Does Your Suite Qualify for the Amnesty?

To take advantage of the reduced application requirements and fee waivers under the Amnesty Program, your existing suite should meet the following criteria:

• Construction Date: Built prior to March 12, 2018 (suites built before this date qualify for reduced building code pathways).

• Facilities: Contains its own kitchen facilities and a full bathroom (toilet, sink, and tub/shower).

• Private Access: Has an entrance accessible from the outside without walking through the primary home's living area (a shared stairwell is acceptable).

Note: While development and registry fees are waived ($0), a standard Building Permit fee ($205.92) and any required trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) still apply.

How to Apply: 2 Simple Options

The City offers a streamlined, user-friendly process to submit your application online via apply.calgary.ca or in person at the Planning Services Centre:

Option 1: Reduced Application (Fast-Track)

If your suite was built prior to March 12, 2018, you can submit:

• An Owner Declaration form

• An Existing Secondary Suite Information Sheet

• High-resolution color photos showing your suite layout, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom egress windows.

Option 2: Full Plans

If your suite requires structural changes or full documentation, you can submit standard architectural drawings (site plan, floor plans with dimensions, and elevations).

Step-by-Step Path to Registration

1. Gather Photos/Plans ➔ 2. Submit Application Online ➔ 3. Receive Building Permit ➔ 4. Complete Upgrades & Inspections ➔ 5. Listed on Registry

1. Review Safety Essentials: Check that bedroom windows meet egress sizing requirements (15'' x 15'' clear opening, minimum 0.35m2 area) and that smoke/CO detectors are properly linked.

2. Submit Your Application: File online or visit the City's Planning Services Centre.

3. Complete Work & Request Inspections: Once your permit is issued, complete any necessary trade work and schedule City building/electrical inspections.

4. Get Listed: Once passed, your suite will be officially added to the City’s Secondary Suite Registry.

Don't Wait Until Year-End

Permit processing and safety inspections take time. Getting your application in early ensures you avoid last-minute delays and take full advantage of the fee waivers before the December 31, 2026 amnesty cutoff.

If you have questions about the application process, please visit The City of Calgary’s Secondary Suite Page.

Let’s work together to keep Ward 2 neighborhoods safe, welcoming, and vibrant!