Each bedroom must have at least one window that can be fully opened and used to escape during an emergency. Information about the window, including if it is existing, proposed, the size and type must be included on your plans.

• The windows must open without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. They must open without the removal of sashes or hardware.
• The window must have an unobstructed opening of 0.35 m2 (3.8 ft2) and no dimension less than 380 mm (15").
• If a casement-type window is used, it must swing open a full 90 degrees.
• Refer to Building Advisory A19-005 - Egress Window Guidelines for more details.

Window wells

• An existing window well must provide a minimum clearance of 550 mm (21.5") in front of the window.
• If installing a new window, the window well must provide a minimum clearance of 760 mm (30") in front of the window.

Casement window

Horizontal sliding window

Vertical sliding window

Inward swinging awning window

Adding or increasing window size

• Foundation walls can only have a certain number of openings before the wall is compromised. Adding new or increasing the size of existing windows impacts the wall’s ability to resist soil pressure.
• The Building Code restricts opening sizes and configurations of windows. It only allows a certain percentage of openings and opening sizes on a single wall. 
  • For example, a single window may be 1.2 m (4 ft) in width. Two windows are considered one large opening when spaced less than their average width apart. 
  • The maximum width of all windows combined in one wall cannot be more than 25% of the wall length.
• A professional engineer registered in Alberta must design openings that exceed the above requirements. When submitting your application, you must provide the engineered stamped drawings.

You must ensure your suite tenants can safely exit in the event of a fire or emergency. Additional requirements must be considered when the only exit for a suite is by an exterior staircase where a window or opening is located directly above the stairway:

• Option A: Installing glass block or wired glass in fixed steel frames on the windows of the primary home.
• Option B: Constructing a roof over the entirety of the exterior exit stair out of solid material.

Option A:

If you install glass block or wired glass:

• Windows that are less than 3 m horizontally and less than 10 m below or less than 5 m above the exit stair need to be protected.
• Windows on the primary entrance that do not expose to the stairwell do not need protection.
• Only fixed, non-operable windows can be protected in this way.
• Bedroom windows must be operable.

Option B shows an exterior stairwell with a roof providing protection from the window above it.​

More information on Unenclosed Exterior Stairs can be found on the protection of openings near unenclosed exterior stairs and ramps advisory.

NEW secondary suites require an independent heating and ventilation system. It must also include independent ductwork.

Several heating systems can be used:

1. A second forced air furnace may be installed for the suite. 
2. Electric baseboard heaters or hydronic radiant heating. These may be installed with an independent ventilation system, like a heat recovery ventilator.
3. If a single boiler is being used for both units, separate zone controls are required for each unit. 

Heating equipment must include easy access to compartments for inspection, maintenance and cleaning.

You require a mechanical permit if you are installing a new furnace and/or heat recovery ventilator. 

Step 1: Make sure you qualify for the incentive program. 

Step 2: Design your suite. Hiring a professional can help you submit a complete application and apply for the permits required. 

Step 3: Apply for the building permit. You may need to apply for additional permits for your project. This can include electrical, plumbing and gas permits. 

Step 4: Apply to the incentive program.

No, the incentive application must be filled out by the homeowner. The funds will be issued to the name given on the application form.

Building and/or trade permits should be issued prior to starting construction. The incentive program is focused on providing funds to help complete the key safety elements required. The qualifying amount may be lower than expected if the elements are completed before applying and confirming the missing elements. Funds may be available to in-progress projects if the required safety elements haven't been completed. 

The missing safety elements will be verified by the incentive program team before an applicant receives conditional approval for funding. An applicant can only receive approval for funds for safety elements that have not been upgraded at the time of this verification. 

Yes. Homeowners can apply for their own building permit. You can also apply for homeowner electrical and plumbing permits.

While hiring a professional can be beneficial, hiring a professional for your suite project is not required.

Every suite needs a building permit. Most will also need an electrical permit, and some will need plumbing and HVAC permits.

You will need a development permit if:

• Your land use district lists secondary suites as discretionary.
• You aren't able to provide the required parking.

Visit Calgary.ca/suites for more information on this process. Under the Suite Amnesty Program there is currently no fee for development permits.

If approved, applicants should receive their acceptance within 5-7 business days of submission. This could be delayed by an incomplete application or incorrect information and may vary depending on volumes.

This may vary depending on your project. More information on timelines can be found here.

Yes, you will require inspections for each permit you get for your suite. Example: if you have an electrical permit and a building permit, you will need separate inspections for each permit.

More information on inspections can be found here.

No, at this time backyard suites are not included in the scope of the incentive program.

Yes, any homeowner with a building permit for a secondary suite is eligible for the incentive program regardless of when the permit was obtained. The amount a homeowner will receive will directly depend on missing safety elements at time of review of the incentive program application.

Yes, to receive your pre-approved amount, you will need to submit receipts or paid invoices for costs directly related to the construction of your suite. Only receipts and payments dated after your date of application to the incentive program will qualify for the total amount spent. You must spend at least as much as you were pre-approved to receive to get the full amount.

Example: John applied for the incentive on June 5 and the incentive program team verified he needed: an egress window ($1,500), hardwired and interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms ($1,000) and a smoke-tight barrier ($4,000). John’s pre-approval amount is $6,500. To receive his full incentive amount, John must submit receipts or paid invoices for at least $6,500, all of which must be dated June 5 or after. 

Any cost related to the completion of the secondary suite is eligible to be submitted as proof of costs.

The incentive program is not intended to fully fund construction. It is to support those thinking of converting their space to a safe, registered suite. The incentive program will encourage people to consider adding a suite to their home legally. It aims to reach those that may require additional supports to transition their suites into safe and registered secondary suites.